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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were at the center of discussion when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee gathered to select the teams for the Afghanistan series. Both the legends have retained their places in the team for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan cricket team.
However, his exclusion from the team was considered to a certain extent. Finally, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been selected for the One Day International series as they are active in only one format.
The proposal was to give rest to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
The theory was put forward that he was dropped from the team due to workload management issue. Both the former cricketers are active with their respective franchises in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026.
Rohit could not play some matches for Mumbai Indians due to hamstring injury, but Virat is playing continuously for Royal Challengers Bangalore. A source close to the team selection process revealed to the media some important points of the discussion related to Ajit Agarkar.
A source close to the team selection process has revealed the truth.
“The panel, including the chief selector, had detailed discussions for the series against Afghanistan. Both have been playing regularly in their respective IPL matches. There was a possibility of resting them. However, on second thought, they only play one format, and it is important to give them match time,” a source close to the selection talks told Sports Tak.
There were at least two valid points against resting Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. There are many young stars in the newly formed ODI team. The presence of two senior players will bring balance and help in building bonds between the players. Besides, Virat and Rohit will also get a chance to evaluate their performance and fitness through the Afghanistan series.
“Also, it will be better for team bonding, especially for the youngsters, who will be around them and that is why the panel decided not to rest them. Both Rohit and Virat can also evaluate their performance and fitness in the home series.”
Virat and Rohit’s place for 2027 ODI World Cup not secured yet
In the coming days, there will be a discussion once again between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma regarding the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. At present, no place has been reserved for the tournament. There will be discussions when the tournament gets closer. The selection of these two batsmen can be decided on the basis of their form and fitness status.
“The World Cup is still a long way away, and no one is permanently in or out of the scheme of things. His and anyone else’s selection will depend on their form and fitness,” the source added.
So far in the IPL 2026 season, Rohit Sharma, who has missed six games due to a hamstring injury, has scored 268 runs at an average of 44.66 and a strike rate of 164.41. Whereas Virat Kohli is maintaining good form as the opener of RCB. So far in this IPL season, the batsman has scored 542 runs at an average of 54.20 and a strike rate of 164.74.
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