Following India's disappointment in the ODI World Cup final, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to have a meeting with captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar to chart a course for the next four years across formats. The primary agenda is gaining clarity on Rohit's white-ball future and identifying a captain for the future.
Sources indicate that Rohit has already conveyed his willingness to be excluded from consideration for T20Is. However, with selectors expressing a desire to invest in young talent, the focus now shifts to Rohit's ODI career. He will be approaching 40 by the time the next ODI World Cup arrives in 2027, and now faces decisions about his role in the limited-overs format, particularly with the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025 in Pakistan.
"Before the ODI World Cup, Rohit had communicated that he is fine not being considered for T20Is. The selectors have been investing heavily in youth in T20Is for the last one year. With the T20 World Cup happening in June next year, they are reluctant to deviate from that strategy," a source revealed.
The upcoming series in South Africa, comprising three ODIs and a two-Test series, could serve as an opportunity for Test players to acclimate to South African conditions. The BCCI and selectors plan to finalise the ODI strategy post the IPL and T20 World Cup. Additionally, there is a concerted effort to groom a long-term captain, with Rohit likely to focus on Test cricket for the next World Test Championship cycle until 2025.
Concerns over all-rounder Hardik Pandya's fitness have also surfaced, with sources indicating a potential absence until the end of January due to a ligament tear suffered during the World Cup. This setback may impact India's preparations for the T20 World Cup, with Pandya's return expected during the IPL.
In terms of Test selection, Ajinkya Rahane, who returned for the World Test Championship final in June, may face exclusion from the South Africa series. The selectors are reportedly keen on building a cohesive and enduring team, considering the resurgence of Shreyas Iyer in Test cricket and Shubman Gill's role at No. 3.
KL Rahul is also being considered for Test matches, given his potential as a backup wicketkeeping option.
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