Ajit Agarkar, BCCI’s chief selector, recognized the void left by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s experience in India’s England Test series.
Ajit Agarkar Reflects on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Test Retirements
BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar revealed that the panel would have preferred Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India’s Test squad for the high-profile England series earlier this year. However, both veterans had already decided to step away from the format.
Addressing speculation around their sudden retirements, especially after Rohit had expressed excitement about the England series weeks prior, Agarkar said, “Both of them have been stalwarts of Indian cricket. They both approached… they felt it was a new WTC cycle and, whatever people might think or not think, that is the reality. I think both were very aware — perhaps they may not have gone for those two years as Test players for the WTC cycle.”
During India’s five-match Test tour of England, the team rebounded from an opening defeat to draw the series 2-2 under young captain Shubman Gill, who scored over 750 runs in five Tests. While the performances were lauded, Ajit Agarkar admitted that Kohli and Rohit’s experience was missed in critical moments.
Ajit Agarkar on Veteran Retirements and Team Transition
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed questions about India’s veteran players and their recent retirements, stopping short of confirming whether the selection panel had tried to convince them to delay stepping away.
“Whether we tried to talk them into playing, I’ll keep it to myself,” Agarkar remarked.
When asked about Rohit Sharma’s social media post just 15 days before his retirement, expressing excitement for the England series, Agarkar dismissed speculation. “I didn’t read his social media,” he said. “I usually talk to the player. So no. But I think you’ve got to focus on the team that played in England… I don’t think anyone gave us a chance with that team. So why not focus on the performances the current players are doing, rather than guys who’ve retired — as good as players that they’ve been — they’re no longer part of the Test team.”
Agarkar also reflected on the natural evolution of the squad and the challenges of transition in Indian cricket, especially involving iconic players. “It’s not the first time that a senior player has retired or has been left out or has walked away from the game. Well, we’ve had one guy who played 200 Test matches who’s not playing anymore. That’s the nature of sport; transition is natural. It has to be in the interest of the team and that is our job and our responsibility. We may not get it right all the time, but the intentions are always right.”