Ajit Agarkar breaks silence on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s 2027 World Cup chances and Shubman Gill's ODI captaincy

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief selector Ajit Agarkar has opened up on the chances of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma featuring in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027.

Ajit Agarkar has also revealed why Shubman Gill has been handed the ODI captaincy for the upcoming series against the Australia National Cricket Team.

Both Rohit and Virat are noncommittal about the World Cup - Ajit Agarkar

Rohit Sharma has been sacked as the ODI skipper of India, with Shubman Gill taking charge. However, he has been named in the squad for the Australia tour alongside Virat Kohli.

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Both Kohli and Rohit are single-format players, having retired from Test and T20Is earlier. However, time and again, they have expressed a desire to play the 2027 ODI World Cup.

However, there is a high possibility of them not featuring in the next 50-over World Cup. Speaking to the media after the squad announcement for the Australia tour, Ajit Agarkar said that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are noncommittal about the World Cup.

"Both Rohit and Virat are noncommittal about the World Cup (2027)," Ajit Agarkar said.

"They are greats of the game and They scored tons of runs for India. We just expect scored runs for India and continue to do that. They are leaders in the team," he further said of the duo.

Also Read: Watch: Ravindra Jadeja SLAPS Kuldeep Yadav in Ahmedabad Test as spinner winces in pain after chest blow

Ajit Agarkar reveals why Shubman Gill has been named skipper

While talking about Shubman Gill's appointment as ODI skipper, Ajit Agarkar said that having three different captains is quite tough; hence, the decision was made to elevate the Punjab lad. He said:

“It’s practically impossible to have 3 different captains for three formats. It is also tough for the coach to plan with 3 different captains. And it gives the next guy enough time to plan for whatever is coming.”

Agarkar added that Shubman Gill has the ability to thrive under pressure and his debut Test series as captain in England was the prime example of it.

“He’s (Gill) still quite young. We saw what he did in England under immense pressure. So there were really positive signs there. You’ve seen his record in one-day cricket as a batter. We hope there’s no burnout. It is true there’s a lot of cricket coming thick and fast over the next few months in particular. He, particularly, but the team management as well,” Agarkar stated.

What he’s shown in England was really good positive signs, and we’re very hopeful - Ajit Agarkar

The BCCI chief selector further said that the heroics of Shubman Gill both as batter and skipper in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy did play some role in his elevation as ODI skipper, but that was not the only thing, because he was always on the radar, which is why he was given ODI vice-captaincy as well.

“He’s (Gill) been vice-captain in one-day cricket for a while now. It’s not just the England (Test series in June-July) series. That’s always the plan. Whenever the next guy takes over, ideally he should be the vice-captain.

"Doesn’t always work out that way. But obviously, what he’s shown in England was really good positive signs, and we’re very hopeful. Because if you’re going to make that call, you want to try and make it reasonably early and give the other guy enough chance to try and get that confidence of leading another format,” said Agarkar.