Star cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are poised for their return to the Indian national team this month, having been selected for the One-Day International (ODI) squad for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia, commencing October 19. Amidst widespread speculation that this Australian tour might be their last representing India, with doubts cast over their participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup, BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar clarified the situation. Agarkar stated that both players have not yet committed to their availability for the 2027 World Cup.
During a Saturday press conference, Agarkar also addressed the controversy surrounding Virat Kohli`s fitness assessment. While the majority of Indian squad members, including Rohit Sharma, underwent their fitness tests at the BCCI`s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, Kohli notably completed his evaluation in London. Reports indicated that Kohli had received special permission from the BCCI to conduct his fitness test in the United Kingdom. Agarkar, a former India pacer, emphatically stated that both Kohli and Rohit had successfully met all required fitness standards for selection.
Agarkar elaborated, stating, “I believe they have both cleared their fitness tests and adhered to all stipulated fitness norms. To my knowledge and that of the selectors, they have fulfilled all necessary requirements. I haven`t been informed otherwise. Typically, before selection, we consult the CoE for the fitness status of all players, and every player chosen has been declared fit and available.”
Regarding their future beyond the upcoming tour, Agarkar commented, “They are currently playing this format, and we have selected them. As for the 2027 World Cup, I don`t think it`s necessary to discuss that today. Naturally, with a change in captaincy, such thoughts often arise.”
