Former chief selector questions ODI selection of Kohli & Rohit, suggests to focus on multi-format players

Former Indian cricket chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar has raised questions over the criteria used to select Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharmafor the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting October 19. The two senior batters were named in the Shubman Gill-led squad on Saturday, marking their return to international action since the IPL 2025.

In a recent interaction, Vengsarkar questioned how the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee decided to pick Kohli and Rohit, considering they have been away from international cricket since the Champions Trophy in March. He also highlighted that both players are now active only in ODIs, having retired from T20Is in June 2024 and Tests in May this year.

“Rohit and Virat have been great players over the years, but if they are playing just one format, the selectors need to take a careful call. It’s very difficult to assess their form and fitness after such a long layoff,” Vengsarkar said.

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He added, “They have possibly been picked because of their excellent records and past contributions to Indian cricket. But since they haven’t been playing Tests or T20s, and ODIs are not very frequent, gauging their current form and fitness is challenging. Presumably, the selectors must have checked, though I’m not sure how.”

Agarkar, speaking to the media last Saturday, confirmed that both Kohli and Rohit had cleared the mandatory pre-season fitness tests but hinted that their selection does not necessarily guarantee a spot in India’s 2027 ODI World Cup plans. The upcoming series will be crucial in determining whether they continue in the ODI setup for matches against South Africa and New Zealand.