Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy Under Scrutiny Amid Age Concerns

Reality is now confronting Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of Indian cricket’s most prominent figures over nearly two decades. Their once-unquestioned spots in the Test and T20I teams are no longer secure, and it seems the same is happening for the ODI format—the only one they currently play. They now face the same selection standards as their teammates without any special treatment.

The national selection committee, which convened on Saturday to choose the ODI squad for the upcoming tour in Australia, has not committed to the long-term inclusion of these two icons. Meanwhile, they have expressed strong confidence in Shubman Gill, the newly chosen ODI captain, focusing on the World Cup in 2027 as a long-term strategy. However, similar decisions have not been made for Rohit and Kohli.

“I don’t think we need to talk about it today,” said Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, signaling the committee’s reluctance to fully disclose their plans for these two stalwarts. “That’s the current format they are involved in. We have selected them.” Regarding the World Cup in 2027, the matter remains open-ended, barring Gill, who is expected to lead the team in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The committee also shows no interest in having three separate captains for the different formats.

Consequently, Gill was invited to the selection meeting, held virtually as the selectors were distributed across various locations—some in Nagpur, others in Kanpur, while Agarkar is in Ahmedabad. Similarly, Suryakumar Yadav was present for the T20I selection meeting.

The ages of Rohit and Kohli have also been taken into account. Kohli is currently 36 and will turn 39 by the next World Cup, while Rohit is 38 and will be 40 by then. Clearly, age is not on their side, influencing the selectors’ considerations.

Agarkar confirmed a prior discussion with Rohit, though it appears not to have happened recently. Sources indicate that the decision was communicated to Rohit some time ago, leaving room for interpretation on Rohit’s reception of it. “I mean, that’s a conversation between me and Rohit. But like I said earlier, it’s been communicated,” Agarkar stated.

There has been speculation about Rohit’s response to the selectors’ decision, but planning for the 2027 World Cup around these two icons will not be straightforward. In addition to age, India has only about nine to ten ODIs scheduled leading up to the tournament, unless further series are planned.

If they wish to extend their ODI careers, both players will need to return to domestic cricket. Agarkar emphasized that this is non-negotiable. “I think that we’ve made it clearer a couple of years back. Whenever the players are available, they should be playing domestic cricket. That’s the only way you’ll keep yourself sharp and competitive.” Kohli last played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the domestic 50-over competition, in 2013, and Rohit did so in 2018. This year’s tournament is set from December 24 to January 24.

Additionally, they must continue to be high performers. “I mean, what they’ve been doing for years, trying to score runs. I don’t think that changes,” the chief selector commented on what is expected from them. “You’re still playing for your country. I mean, they’re still leaders in their dressing room. And you hope they are. But eventually, it’s the runs. They’ve scored tonnes of it, both of them. And been extremely successful in this format. So we hope they keep doing it.”

Originally, Rohit planned to continue playing until the 2027 World Cup. How he responds to the latest developments is uncertain. However, the journey has certainly become more challenging for him and his renowned teammate.