Team India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar broke his silence on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Test retirement ahead of ODI series against Australia, which is set to start from October 19. Agarkar confirmed that the selection panel had hoped to include both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India’s Test squad for the England tour. However, Agarkar revealed that the superstar duo had already made the decision to step away from the format, having made up their minds about stepping away from the longest format.
“Both of them have been stalwarts of Indian cricket. They both approached… they felt it was a new WTC cycle and, whatever people might think or not think, that is the reality. I think both were very aware — perhaps they may not have gone for those two years as Test players for the WTC cycle,” Agarkar told NDTV.
Ajit Agarkar breaks silence on Kohli, Rohit's Test retirement
India's tour of England for a five-match Test series earlier this year was a hard-fought contest. The team, under young captain Shubman Gill, managed a strong comeback after losing the opening match, eventually leveling the series at 2-2. Gill himself made headlines, breaking records by scoring over 750 runs across the five Tests. While the team's overall performance was widely praised, chief selector Ajit Agarkar admitted that the crucial experience of the recently retired Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma was certainly missed during the series' most critical moments.
“England was a series where we would have loved some experience, yes, frankly. Performance was incredible, even though we didn't win. Under a young captain, which was always going to be difficult, but we would have liked some experience,” Agarkar added.
Agarkar did not outright confirm whether the selection panel actively attempted to persuade the two veterans to delay their retirement from Test cricket. However, he did hint that conversations regarding their future in the format likely took place behind the scenes before their decisions were finalized.
“Whether we tried to talk them into playing, I’ll keep it to myself,” India's 2007 T20 World Cup-winner stated.
On being asked about Rohit's social media post, which expressed excitement for the England series just 15 days before his retirement announcement, Agarkar dismissed any related speculation. The chief selector clarified that he does not rely on social media platforms for official communication or to gauge the intentions of players regarding their availability or retirement.
“I didn't read his social media. I usually talk to the player. So no. But I think you've got 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 performances the current players are doing, rather than guys who've retired — as good as players that they've been — they're no longer part of the Test team,” he further added.
It's not the first time that a senior player has retired: Agarkar
Agarkar also briefly addressed the natural evolution of the Indian cricket squad. He spoke about the inherent challenges of managing a transitional period, especially when it involves the departure of icons and senior figures who have been central to the team's identity.
"It's not the first time that a senior player has retired or has been left out or has walked away from the game. Well, we've had one guy who played 200 test matches who's not playing anymore. That's the nature of sport; transition is natural. It has to be in the interest of the team and that is our job and our responsibility. We may not get it right all the time, but the intentions are always right," he concluded.