Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's selection wasn’t merit-based? Aakash Chopra raises serious questions

Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has shared his thoughts on the future of two of India’s biggest batting stars, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, especially with the ICC World Cup 2027 on the horizon. The former Indian opener believes that as long as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to perform consistently, there is no reason they won’t be included in the ICC World Cup 2027 squad.

The commentator has stressed that there will be no “favoritism or quota system” when it comes to the selection of the iconic players, as he slammed the news of biased selection in Indian cricket. He emphasized that India’s selection system has always been based on merit.

I am wondering when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's selection was not merit-based: Aakash Chopra

He insisted that the players are picked strictly on their performances, and this merit-based approach has been a major factor behind India’s success across the formats over the years. Well, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are all set to play under Shubman Gill in the ODIs now.

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The former Indian batter has noted that it would not be unusual or surprising to see Rohit and Kohli play under Gill’s captaincy. Even Chopra compared the situation to the 2011 World Cup, when Sachin Tendulkar, one of the world’s greatest ever batters, played under MS Dhoni’s leadership.

Aakash Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel, “The big news is that Rohit Sharma is not there as a captain, and Virat Kohli is there, but nobody knows what the road ahead will be. I read an article where it was written that their selection will be merit-based. I am wondering when their selection was not merit-based. Meritocracy only works. There is no favoritism or quota system here. India is doing well because whoever is good plays here. If you are good, you will play for India, and if you do well consistently, you will remain in the team.”

Aakash Chopra highlights challenges for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the ICC World Cup 2027

Since the Indian batting stars retired from Test and T20I cricket, Chopra has pointed out that Virat and Rohit’s chances to consistently showcase their form are now more limited, making it harder to stay in rhythm, and that can go against them in terms of ICC World Cup 2027 selection.

Chopra also suggested Rohit and Kohli participate in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy whenever they get a chance, as it would help them stay connected with the game, maintain match fitness, and adapt to different situations on the field.

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He added, “It's said form is temporary, class is permanent. However, since you do not play any other format, knowing that form and seeing that class repeatedly won't be that frequent. That's the truth.”

Aakash Chopra shows a mirror to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Chopra explained that players who compete across all formats generally have longer careers because they remain active and in the selectors’ minds, and that’s where he fears for both Rohit and Kohli because they are now active only in the ODI cricket.

He signed off by saying, “It's always the case that all-format players have a slightly longer career span. They are always in your thoughts. However, it's very difficult for single-format players, whether you are playing only Tests, ODIs, or T20Is. Not playing any cricket is a problem. The gaps are becoming very long. That is not a good thing.”