The Indian cricket team has entered a crucial phase of change in Test cricket after two of its biggest superstars, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, decided to move away from the longest format of the game. He took the shocking decision just before India’s challenging Test tour of England.
Following their announcement, many have blamed Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket. Now Agarkar has broken his silence on these allegations.
Ajit Agarkar breaks silence on Test retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
The Indian chief selector revealed that the selection panel wanted both Rohit and Kohli in the Test squad for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, and even tried to convince them to reconsider their decision, but both batsmen had already made up their minds to retire from Tests ahead of the new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
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“Both of them have been legends of Indian cricket,” NDTV quoted Ajit Agarkar as saying. “They both came close… They felt that this is a new WTC cycle, and, whatever people think or not, that is the reality. I think both were very aware – perhaps they would not have gone as Test players for the WTC cycle in those two years.”
After appointing Shubman Gill as India’s new Test captain, the team performed impressively in the five-match Test series in England. Gill scored over 750 runs in the entire Test series and helped the Indian team level the series 2–2.
Ajit Agarkar admits missing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma at crucial moments on England tour
While the performances of the young players were widely praised, Agarkar admitted that the absence of Kohli and Rohit was felt during crucial moments on the England tour. His guidance and experience could provide additional stability and strategy in difficult situations.
He added, “England was a series where we would have liked some experience, yes, obviously. The performances were incredible, even though we didn’t win. Under a young captain, that was always going to be difficult, but we would have liked some experience. Even if we tried to talk them into playing, I would have kept it to myself.”
Agarkar also addressed the ongoing speculations around Rohit’s social media posts a few weeks before his retirement. He clarified that they had official communication, and they do not follow social media. 15 days before the move, the Hitmen were excited to tour England.
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Ajit Agarkar said, “I don’t read their social media. I usually talk to the player. So, no. But I think you have 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 performance of the current players instead of the guys who have retired – as good players as they have been – they are no longer part of the Test team.”
Ajit Agarkar stresses importance of change in Indian cricket
He told that change is a natural part of cricket. Indian cricket has seen senior players retire or move away from the team in the past, including Sachin Tendulkar and this is essential for the long-term development of the team, allowing the next generation to step up. Agarkar admitted that although the panel may not always take the right decision, their primary goal is the interest of the team.
Agarkar said, “It’s the nature of the game; change is natural. It has to be in the interest of the team, and that’s our job and our responsibility. We can’t get it right all the time, but the intentions are always right.”
