Dilip Vengsarkar wants the BCCI to drop Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from India’s ODI team. The former India captain questioned why selectors picked both legends for the Australia tour now. He urged Ajit Agarkar to make a tough call about their future roles.
Vengsarkar thinks both stars got selected based on past glory rather than current form. Rohit and Kohli now only play ODIs. They have retired from Tests and T20Is.
Problems With Single-Format Players
Vengsarkar pointed out how difficult it is to assess players who appear in only one format. Long gaps between ODI matches make tracking form and fitness nearly impossible for selectors. Neither legend has played consistent cricket, which raises serious doubts about their readiness.
“Rohit and Virat have been great players over the years, but if you are playing just one format of the game, I believe the selectors need to take a call on this. I feel you cannot know or judge the form and fitness of such players because they’ve had a long layoff after the last game they played. It’s very difficult to assess their form and fitness,” Vengsarkar said.
The former selector believes Agarkar picked them by looking at their legendary records only. But past achievements shouldn’t guarantee automatic selection for every series, according to Vengsarkar.
“Rohit and Virat have possibly been picked because of their great records. They have been great players and have done yeoman service to Indian cricket, having won many matches in all formats of the game.”
India needs players who stay match-ready across formats instead of nostalgic choices here.
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Playing Under a New Captain
Kohli and Rohit will play under Shubman Gill’s captaincy for the first time. This marks a huge shift in team dynamics with younger leadership taking charge. Both seniors must adjust to following orders rather than giving them out there.
Vengsarkar worries whether they can accept playing supporting roles under a much younger captain. The Australia series will test their ability to contribute without holding leadership positions. Their egos and experience might clash with Gill’s fresh ideas and strategies.
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Future of Indian Cricket
Vengsarkar wants selectors to think about India’s long-term plans beyond these two legends. The team needs versatile players who compete regularly in multiple formats going forward. Relying on Kohli and Rohit’s past success won’t help India win future tournaments.
