ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ajit Agarkar hints at end of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s careers post-CT

Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the selection committee, recently opened up about the futures of modern-day greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Ajit Agarkar hinted at a transition in the Indian cricket team, confirming that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's fate will be decided after the UCC Champions Trophy 2025.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's futures in international cricket have come under scrutiny following poor performances during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia. Their struggles have led to discussions about whether they will continue their careers beyond the upcoming Champions Trophy.

Indian Team Transition Likely to Happen Sooner Than Later

India has been facing the challenge of transitioning from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the next generation of players. Recent poor performances in Test cricket, including a 0-3 loss at home to New Zealand and a 1-3 defeat in Australia, have intensified discussions about the future of these two players.

Critics and experts have questioned whether Kohli and Rohit will remain in the squad for India's upcoming tour of England, which will mark the start of a new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The Champions Trophy could potentially signal the end of an era for both players if they fail to deliver.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Have Been Exceptional Performers in One-Day Cricket - Ajit Agarkar

During a press conference in Mumbai regarding the Champions Trophy squad announcement, Ajit Agarkar was asked about the transition phase for the Indian team. Agarkar confirmed that the fate of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma would be decided after the ICC tournament.

Agarkar acknowledged their exceptional performances in one-day cricket and emphasized that the focus remains on the Champions Trophy. He added that after the tournament, there will be more time to assess the team's direction and plan for the future.

“It’s a month away from the Champions Trophy. These guys have been exceptional performers in one-day cricket… We’ll see once the Champions Trophy is done, we’ve got a bit more time to sit and assess where everyone is. Not just one of the players but where we go forward. But at the moment, the focus is on one-day cricket and Champions Trophy,” Ajit Agarkar said.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Set to Play Three-Match ODI Series Against England

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play in India's upcoming three-match ODI series against England, starting on February 6 in Nagpur. Following this, India will begin their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Virat Kohli was the top run-scorer in the 2023 ODI World Cup, amassing 765 runs at an outstanding average of 95.62, including three centuries and six fifties. Rohit Sharma was the second-highest run-scorer, with 597 runs in 11 innings at an average of 54.27 and an impressive strike rate of 125.95.

Also read: Watch: Heartbreak for Jake Fraser-McGurk as Matt Renshaw's screamer dismisses him for 95 in BBL