"He knows selection committee won't...": Sunil Gavaskar challenges Ajit Agarkar to drop Virat Kohli

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has raised concerns over Virat Kohli’s place in the Indian Test team after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 loss in Australia. Sunil Gavaskar stated that Virat Kohli should play in the Ranji Trophy to regain confidence and secure his spot in the Indian Test squad.

Gavaskar's comments came after Kohli’s disappointing performance in the final Test in Sydney, where India lost the match by six wickets. The Men in Blue lost the series by a margin of 1-3 in Australia. This defeat also eliminated India from contention for a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final.

Need to Look at Who Will Be Available for the 2027 Final - Sunil Gavaskar

During a discussion on Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar said that Virat Kohli should play a Ranji Trophy match in favorable conditions like Rajkot’s flat pitch, which would help him regain confidence. Gavaskar said that players are guaranteed spots in the national team despite poor performances.

"100 percent. Whatever might be the attack, it might be useless, even if you score runs against that in the Ranji Trophy, your confidence will be high. On January 23, Delhi's match is against Saurashtra in Rajkot. We all know Rajkot's pitch is extremely flat. Go and score runs there - score a double hundred, you will get the confidence," Gavaskar responded.

"It remains to be seen whether he does that or not. If he refuses to play, it gives a message to everyone that whatever happened is fine as he knows the selection committee won't drop him. No matter how you perform or whatever you decide, why do you need the selection committee if no one can drop you?" Gavaskar added

Virat Kohli Scored Just 190 Runs in BGT 2024-25 in Australia

The 36-year-old managed 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with only one century in the opening Test. Over the past five years, Virat Kohli has scored only three centuries in his last 39 Tests. His batting average dipped from the mid-50s in 2019 to below 47.

In the post-series press conference, head coach Gautam Gambhir said that players not currently playing for India should participate in domestic cricket. India will play a T20I series against England during the upcoming Ranji Trophy. Kohli, having retired from T20Is, should be available to play in the Ranji Trophy.

He Used to Be an Automatic Selection Earlier - Sunil Gavaskar

In the same discussion, Sunil Gavaskar raised questions about Virat Kohli's place as an automatic pick in India's Test side. Gavaskar said that the selectors may now have to decide on his inclusion for the upcoming tour of England.

"You will definitely ask the question whether he is an automatic selection now. He used to be an automatic selection earlier. His performances used to be so terrific that he used to be selected automatically," he said.

"Whenever the selection committee sits, they pick 10 or 11, and the most discussion happens for Nos. 10 to 14. However, I feel after this performance, Ajit Agarkar and his fellow selectors will definitely discuss whether he can automatically be included in the team for the England tour," Gavaskar observed.

England will host India for a five-match Test series starting on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. The remaining matches will take place at Edgbaston in Birmingham, Lord's in London, Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester, and the Kennington Oval in London.

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