Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli find themselves in 'perform or perish' situation after big captaincy call by BCCI

Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli find themselves in 'perform or perish' situation after big captaincy call by BCCI (BCCI Photo)

Since Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are solely active in the ODI format after announcing retirements from Test in May this year, there were a lot of rumors about their future in international cricket. The rumors surrounding the premium players - Kohli and Rohit - were finally addressed by BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday during a press conference.

A report in The Times of India stated that the three-match ODI series against Australia, which starts from October 19, will be a "perform or perish" situation for the two senior pros. As per the report, Shubman Gill was the main player during the "informal discussions" that started soon after the Test series in England with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind.

"A blueprint was discussed with Gill and a pool of players was deliberated upon as the men who matter in Indian cricket circles were convinced that Gill would have the armband for the multi-nation event two years later," the report stated.

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The selection of Rohit and Kohli, who haven't worn the Indian jersey since winning the Champions Trophy earlier this year, was the more significant question though.
The report further mentioned that BCCI selectors were worried about Rohit's ability to maintain his form for two years because he now only plays one format.

In order to be eligible for selection, Agarkar even expressed that he expects the senior pros to take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scheduled to be played later in the season.

As per the report, the decision-makers were initially "divided" on Rohit's role as an ODI skipper, particularly after he guided India to victory in the Champions Trophy, also his second ICC title victory as a skipper.

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A "section in Indian cricketing circles" also opposed sending both Rohit and Kohli for the ODI series. Even though Kohli is two years younger than Rohit and maintains superior physical attributes, he is also "being looked at from the same microscope".

"If we keep dragging things, it will only get complicated. And with two players - one 38 (Rohit) and other 36 (Kohli) - you can't place the early bets. Yes, even the younger ones could lose form and fitness but it's the safer bet," they reasoned as per the national daily.

Regarding Rohit and Kohli's future in ODI cricket, Agarkar remained tight-lipped. He also acknowledged that he had "no knowledge" of the rumors surrounding Rohit and Kohli that the Australia tour would be their final international assignment.

"We’ve picked them [for Australia]… as far as the 2027 World Cup is concerned, I don’t think we need to talk about it today. You don't have to think too far at this point, as the team is picked for Australia, and you know, just need them to score runs like they have been through their career,” the chief selector noted during the press conference in Ahmedabad on Saturday.