Decisions on Rohit and Virat can’t solely be taken by the selection committee: BCCI former selector

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are gearing up for their first T20 International match in over a year as they find a place in the 16-man squad set to face Afghanistan in a three-match series starting January 11 in Mohali. Despite their absence in T20Is for 14 months, both cricketers, having prioritized the ODI World Cup and the ongoing World Test Championship, are now confirmed to be a crucial part of India’s plans for the T20 World Cup in June.

The discussion surrounding Rohit and Kohli’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad gained momentum after their last T20I match in the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal against England. While expectations were high for their return during the South Africa series, both players opted out of the contests, fueling speculation about their T20I future and participation in the upcoming World Cup.

The BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, put an end to the World Cup question by including Rohit and Kohli in the squad for the Afghanistan series. However, a former India selector, speaking anonymously, shed light on the complexity of the decision-making process, emphasizing the significant stakes involved, not limited to the committee’s preferences alone.

“Decisions on Rohit and Virat can’t solely be taken by the selection committee. There is a lot at stake, broadcasters, sponsors, and you can’t pick one and drop the other. Ajit and his team needed to maintain a status quo,” the former selector explained.

The announcement has also heightened Rohit Sharma’s chances of captaining India in ICC events, potentially impacting Hardik Pandya’s aspirations for captaincy at the global event. Hardik led the team during Rohit’s absence over the past 14 months.