Star India cricketer SPARKS controversy, says, ‘Pretty certain’ Kohli, Rohit playing Australia ODIs is…

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes that Kohli and Rohit decided to play only because the series is against Australia, the team India lost to in the 2023 World Cup final at home.

New Delhi: Star India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar reflected on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s choice to participate in the ODI series against Australia, stating that it appeared more agenda-driven than aimed at being part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. India is scheduled to play three ODIs and five T20Is in Australia, starting on October 19, as part of their preparation for the ICC 50-over tournament in South Africa.

BCCI selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar announced on Saturday that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play the upcoming ODI Australia series, marking their return to international cricket since the Champions Trophy in the UAE earlier this year. While Agarkar did not confirm their inclusion in 2027 World Cup plans, their performances in the series could play a significant role.

Gavaskar believes Kohli and Rohit playing Australia ODIs is agenda driven

However, Gavaskar believes that Kohli and Rohit decided to play only because the series is against Australia, the team India lost to in the 2023 World Cup final at home. He added that if the series had been against West Indies or Zimbabwe, their break from international cricket would likely have continued.

“I’m pretty certain that if this were a trip to Zimbabwe or the West Indies, both of them would not have been available. But because this is in Australia, and because India lost to Australia in the World Cup final, maybe that is the reason why both of them have decided, yes, I want to be available for this,” he told India Today.

The India batting legend, however, acknowledged that securing a spot for the World Cup will be challenging for Rohit and Kohli, with their chances largely depending on their performance and game time in the format.

“It depends to a great extent on the number of one-day matches that India plays over the next couple of years. Look, it’s not easy to be playing just seven or eight ODIs in a season while preparing for something as big as a World Cup,” he said. “For those eight white-ball matches, there are probably five T20s and three ODIs. That is not giving much in terms of exposure or practice for players who are approaching the latter stages of their careers.”

Similar to Agarkar, Gavaskar pointed that Kohli and Rohit need to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to maintain their hopes of World Cup selection.

“They will have to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy in India whenever it’s scheduled, if it doesn’t clash with any international ODI tournaments. That’s one way to stay in trim and maintain match practice,” he said.

Story Highlight

1. Sunil Gavaskar reflected on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s choice to participate in the ODI series against Australia, stating that it appeared more agenda-driven than aimed at being part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
2. BCCI selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar announced on Saturday that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play the upcoming ODI Australia series, marking their return to international cricket
3. Gavaskar believes that Kohli and Rohit decided to play only because the series is against Australia, the team India lost to in the 2023 World Cup final at home.