Former England cricketer Steve Harmison, on the other hand, believes that if Agarkar attempts to push the older hitters too hard, he may face a difficult end.
However, Harmison believes that if the former India speedster referenced playing local cricket to fuel the fires of the two previous captains, it was a reasonable move on his part.
One of the most hotly debated topics in sports right now is Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s future in international cricket. Last Monday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the ODI squad for the three-match series against Australia that begins on October 19. One of the most discussed aspects of the announcement was Rohit Sharma’s dismissal as captain of the team. He was succeeded by Shubman Gill.
While Rohit and Kohli were chosen as specialist batsmen, their positions appear to be uncertain, especially with the primary focus on the 2027 ODI World Cup. Many assume that Rohit and Kohli’s tour of Australia will be their last in international cricket.
Ajit Agarkar, the BCCI’s top selector, has stated unequivocally that players who are fit and available must play domestic cricket to remain eligible for selection.
“Unfortunately I think there might be a messy end for Ajit Agarkar there. If anybody is going to win here I think it is the former captains rather than the former all-rounder. But it all depends on, if Agarkar is saying this, just to fuel the fire of Kohli and Sharma, then fair enough. You put your cards on the table and see what comes,” he said on Cricket.
He’s not been as influential in 50-over cricket as Virat has’ – Harmison on Rohit Sharma
Harmison stated that Rohit hasn’t been as influential a player in ODI cricket as Kohli. The cricketer-turned-expert also mentioned that Rohit is a bit older than Kohli. According to Harmison, India could struggle in run-chases if they go to the 2027 World Cup sans the Delhi batter.
“I think Kohli has got a little bit of skin in the game. Runs in the bank, his reputation. Sharma, not as much. Sharma’s a little bit older. He’s not been as influential in 50-over cricket as Virat has. If Virat turns around and says, “All right, you go to the 50-over World Cup without me and leading up to it, let’s see when you’re chasing 350 in 50 overs to win against Australia or England, and you haven’t got that bloke who averages 90 winning games at number four, see where your teams at”. There could be a messy end in that way. There could also be words that have been misunderstood in translation,” he added.
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