When the Indian team was picked for the two-match home Test series against the West Indies, Karun Nair was removed from the national side after a poor show in the five-match away Test series against England in the United Kingdom. He returned in bad form during the series with 205 runs.

The BCCI chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, revealed that they expected a little more from Nair in England, as the 33-year-old also failed to make it into the India A squad for the forthcoming two-match red-ball series against the Proteas at home. After a 73 and eight against Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season opener, Karun crafted 174* against Goa on October 26.

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“There are certain goals that I’ve set for myself, which I wouldn’t want to talk about. But other than that, the primary goal would be to win games for the team. It’s quite disappointing (being dropped), but I know that I deserve to be there after the last two years (of domestic cricket) I’ve had. People might have their own opinions, but personally, my opinion is that I deserve a lot better.” Karun Nair expressed after the end of the clash.

Karun Nair breaks silence to slam Ajit Agarkar after Ranji Trophy 2025-26 century

The middle-order Indian batter didn’t hide his disappointment at being ignored by the national selection committee. Even though Nair didn’t address the issue of communication from the management, the veteran was determined not to give up.

“All I can do is keep scoring runs, that’s my job. There’s nothing much for me to say. I just keep telling myself that I deserve more than a series. That’s all I can tell myself, and not let that get into my head. All I want to do is to play for the country.” Nair addressed during the interaction.

“That’s the only target. If you’re not able to do that, the next thing would be to try to win games for the side I'm playing for. Few individuals in the team have had good conversations with me about how they feel, and that’s about it.” The Karnataka batter concluded.

The pile of emotions finally came out. After playing a classy 159-run knock against Chhattisgarh on a rain-affected day in a Ranji Trophy 2025 round two match, Ajinkya Rahane alleged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of 'no communication.'

Rahane can still feel the pain for not being selected for India’s Test tour to Australia in the 2024-25 season, where India performed poorly. During a recent interview, the experienced batter said that players like him who have passion for the red ball cricket deserve a chance to play for India. The 37-year-old believed that age is not a factor in performing in the highest order of cricket as long as a player himself can show the intent and passion for the game.

After the 159-run innings, Rahane said, "After 34-35 players are old. Players are always looking to do well. Players are always looking to give their best. And if someone is really passionate about playing red ball cricket. I think selectors should look into it. Because they come and watch the game. Every time it’s not about the performance. It’s about the intent and the passion and how you play with the red ball." 

Read More: WATCH: Forgotten fast bowler to make comeback for CSK ? Video gone viral ahead of IPL 2026 auction

It was one of Rahane's most disheartening moments in his cricket career when he came to know the selectors did not choose him for the BGT series. 

Ajinkya Rahane alleged BCCI for poor communication

"In Australia, you see, Michael Hussey made his debut in his 30s. Still, he made runs. Experience matters in red ball cricket. I thought, personally, the Indian team needed me in Australia," he said. 

Recently, another star of India, Mohammed Shami, also made some explosive remarks on BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar. After taking 7 wickets for Bengal in a Ranji Trophy match against Uttarakhand, the pacer stated, "Let him say whatever he wants. You have seen how I bowled. It is all in front of your eyes." 

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir were spotted together ahead of the India vs Australia 2nd ODI match (IND vs AUS 2nd ODI). Ahead of the crucial match, the Indian team management arranged an optional training session. From there, glimpses of moments have been captured in camera lenses.

From a video, attached with the article below, viewers can see Agarkar and Gambhir were discussing deeply during the practice. They talked with other members and players of the squad as well. The main attractive point of the video is when Gambhir and Agarkar went to talk with another opener of the current squad, Yashasvi Jaiswal. The head coach and the chief selector talked for a while with the young opener.

This little moment caught many cricket fans' eyes, and there are speculations already started about Rohit Sharma's future in the team. After winning the Champions Trophy, the ongoing white-ball series in Australia is Sharma's first international assignment. Before the beginning of the series, BCCI announced that Shubman Gill would lead the side and Rohit would be in the squad only as a batsman.

Read More: Good news for Indian cricket fans, Hardik Pandya's return date confirmed!

Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar talked with Yashasvi Jaiswal 

In the first match of the 3-match ODI series, Sharma and Gill both failed to impress with their batting work. It is now well established that the board has a huge amount of faith in Gill—he is now the captain of India's Test and ODI setup and vice captain of the T20I team. In the previous match in Perth, Rohit scored only 8 runs and was then dismissed. 

With the win, Australia is leading the three-match series by 1-0, and it makes the second match for India a do-or-die situation. Will Indian team management make any changes in their first XI? The question remains.

Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir in a long animated chat with backup opener #YashasviJaiswal after #RohitSharma walked off towards the team hotel. Is this the sign of the future?@CricSubhayan and @rohitjuglan discuss.@ThumsUpOfficial #AUSvIND #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QZ6aVvYgdm

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) October 22, 2025

Rohit Sharma didn’t enjoy his opening clash of the three-match series against Australia down under at the Optus Stadium in Perth. He opened his account with a single on the very first delivery of the clash before making a sweet drive against Josh Hazlewood for a boundary. Everything seemed fine and in rhythm till that moment.

But the opening batter of the Blue Brigade opener got an outside edge into the hands of the slip fielder as Josh Hazlewood squared him up. There was a point in the pre-match practice when Rohit walked off to the hotel while Ajit Agarkar had an animated chat with the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and the backup opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal. 

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It was perhaps a sign of the national side trying to look beyond into the future. Jaiswal, who made his 50-over debut earlier this year, scored 15 runs against England and has an impressive record in List A cricket with 1526 runs in 33 innings at an average of 53.62 and a strike rate of 85.97 with the help of five centuries and seven fifties.

Watch: Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar bring Yashasvi Jaiswal in animated chat before AUS vs IND Adelaide ODI

Jaiswal has earned massive success and respect in the longest format. The left-handed batter has accumulated 2428 runs in 49 innings at an average of 51.65 and a strike rate of 66.42 with the help of 12 half-centuries and seven centuries at the best score of unbeaten 214 runs against England.

Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir in a long animated chat with backup opener #YashasviJaiswal after #RohitSharma walked off towards the team hotel. Is this the sign of the future?@CricSubhayan and @rohitjuglan discuss.@ThumsUpOfficial #AUSvIND #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QZ6aVvYgdm

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) October 22, 2025

Rohit, on the other hand, has clubbed 11176 runs in 266 ODI innings at an average of 48.59 with a strike rate of 92.76, thanks to 32 centuries and 58 half-centuries at the best score of 264 against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Rohit may perhaps still open the innings against Australia in Adelaide and play the third clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney. But this conversation also means that perhaps they would look to Jaiswal for the next ODI series against South Africa at home.

India’s premier fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, featured in the first round of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 for Bengal at the Eden Gardens against Uttarakhand. On his arrival in the city, he slammed the chief selector of the BCCI selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, for the pacer’s omission from the three-match ODI series against Australia down under.

Shami bowled with pace and good line and length in the first round of the competition and collected seven wickets in the game. That’s a positive sign for the Blue Brigade, who may want the pacer’s experience in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

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“Let him say whatever he wants. You have seen how I bowled. It is all in front of your eyes.” Shami revealed at the end of the third day’s play at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The right-arm pacer has picked up 206 wickets in 107 innings of the 50-over format at an average of 24.05 and a strike rate of 25.80 with the help of 10 four-wicket and six five-wicket hauls.

Mohammed Shami reacts to Ajit Agarkar’s comments on pacer’s snub from AUS vs IND ODI series

Shami featured in the Champions Trophy 2025 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as they went on to win the title. A few days ago, during an interaction, Agarkar reckoned that they wanted Shami in the England series, but the veteran fast bowler wasn’t fully prepared for the trip.

“If Shami were here, I would give him an answer. If he is fit, why would we not have a bowler like Shami? I have had multiple chats with him. Over the last six to eight months, what we have found out is that he was not fit. If he stays fit over the next few months, the story might be different, but he was not fit to be picked for the England tour.” Agarkar mentioned.

India will play South Africa and New Zealand at home for their next home ODI series, which will produce more chances for Shami to return to the national side for the 50-over format.

India’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, has finally spoken about Mohammed Shami being left out of India’s upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. He made it clear that Shami’s exclusion was only because of fitness issues. “If he was fit, he would have been on the plane,” Agarkar said at the NDTV World Summit 2025 on Friday.

Shami had earlier expressed his frustration on social media, saying that his performances for Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy show he is fully fit. He also added that it’s not his job to update the selectors about his fitness. The fast bowler has been struggling with ankle and knee problems after surgery following the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Ajit Agarkar Opens Up on Mohammed Shami’s ODI Squad Omission

Agarkar responded calmly, saying, “If he wants to talk to me, I’m always available. I’ve had several chats with him over the past few months. I can’t comment on everything he says online, but the door is always open for him.” He also praised Shami’s contribution to Indian cricket. “He has been an incredible performer for India. Even before the England tour, we said if he was fit, he would have played. Unfortunately, he wasn’t.”

AJIT AGARKAR ABOUT SHAMI VIA NDTV:

"He has been an incredible performer for India. If he said something, maybe that is a conversation for me to have with him or him to have with me but even before England, we said if he was fit, he would have been on that plane. Unfortunately,… pic.twitter.com/8bEDAiDsTz

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 17, 2025

Shami’s progress in domestic cricket will be closely watched in the coming weeks. He is currently playing for Bengal against Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy, and selectors might consider him for the South Africa Test series if he stays fit. Agarkar added that Shami was considered for the Australia tour, but his fitness held him back. “We wanted him on the team, even for the last Australia tour, but he wasn’t fully fit. If he stays fit in the coming months, things could be different,” he said.

ALSO READ: ‘Difficult to say what…’- Ajit Agarkar speaks on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s 2027 ODI World Cup chances at NDTV World Summit

India’s tour of Australia starts on October 19 with three ODIs, followed by five T20Is. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return to the team, while Shubman Gill will lead India in ODIs.

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar recently addressed the uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future in India’s ODI setup during the NDTV World Summit 2025. He stated that no final decision has been made about their participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

With Shubman Gill taking over as India’s new ODI captain ahead of the upcoming series against Australia, discussions have intensified about the senior duo’s long-term roles in the format. However, Agarkar made it clear that players of their stature deserve special consideration.

He further added that both Rohit and Kohli, given their immense contributions to Indian cricket, won’t be judged by individual performances in every game. The two stalwarts will continue to feature in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, beginning October 19, marking their much-anticipated return to international action.

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Ajit Agarkar Clears Air on Rohit and Kohli’s Future:

Agarkar mentioned that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain an integral part of India’s future ODI plans. He emphasized that the experienced pair will continue to be considered for selection in upcoming international assignments.

He said, “ They are part of the squad at the moment in Australia. They are incredible players, but it is not the forum to harp on about individual players. Two years from now, it is difficult to say what the situation will be. Who knows, there can be younger players who will take the spot.”

AJIT AGARKAR ON NDTV ABOUT ROHIT & KOHLI FOR 2027 WORLD CUP...!!! 🇮🇳

- What are your thoughts? pic.twitter.com/XRhmToouKN

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 17, 2025

He added, “ Both are great players, and they will not be put to the test in every match. Once they start playing, we will assess the situation. It is about winning trophies, not just runs. It is not like if they score three hundreds in the Australia series, they will play the World Cup in 2027. We have to take the situation into consideration.”

Agarkar also discussed the importance of experienced players in the team, emphasizing how their presence adds balance and leadership. He highlighted that such ‘legacy cricketers’ play a key role in mentoring young talents and shaping India’s future in international cricket.

He concluded, “ Legacy cricketers have created that legacy for themselves. You'd rather have those experienced players playing well. You have to treat them with respect. Some of the conversations with them don't come out, but there is nothing but respect.”

Will Virat Kohli retire from the One Day International format as well after the India vs Australia series? Will he play in the ICC World Cup 2027? There are multiple questions linked with Virat Kohli's future in international cricket. Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik has a clear view on that with proper explanations. The former keeper-batter explained through his latest Instagram video why Virat Kohli will be a key part for India in the next ODI World Cup. With proper stats and examples of Kohli's dedication, Karthik tried to put some light on the burning topic—Virat Kohli's possible retirement. 

In the first week of October, BCCI's chief selector was asked about Rohit Sharma and Kohli's chances to play in the upcoming World Cup. Instead of offering a clear-cut reply, Agarkar provided more ingredients to make the speculations more complex. 

"I mean, that’s the format they are playing at the moment (Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma). We picked them, but as far as the 2027 World Cup is concerned. I don’t think we need to talk about it today. Obviously, with the captaincy change, that’s generally the thought," Ajit Agarkar said during a press conference. 

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Karthik, who is the mentor of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and a close one of Virat Kohli, shared that the batting maestro still has the hunger for scoring runs and rehearsed batting for 2-3 sessionsa week during the long layoff. 

Dinesh Karthik clears mystery over Virat Kohli's retirement 

"Virat is keen to play the World Cup; in London he was practicing hard during this long layoff, & I also know he was practicing cricket 2-3 sessions every week, as I was there," Karthik said. 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Dinesh Karthik (@dk00019)

Through the same video, Karthik paid a focus on some of Virat's numbers produced during the series against South Africa, where the pitch was a little bit 'spicy,' and the Champions Trophy 2025, where India emerged as the winner. According to the former cricketer, Virat Kohli was the main reason for the aggressive batting from Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and other batters of the team in the Champions Trophy 2025. 

Even Rohit Sharma might not have expected to be replaced as India’s ODI captain, yet when the official announcement came on Saturday, the reality quickly sank in. The decision marked not just the end of his captaincy, but a significant turning point in Indian cricket leadership.

Rohit has long been regarded as a players’ captain, admired for his calm yet commanding presence on the field. His record speaks volumes: in 56 ODIs as captain, India won 42 matches and lost just 12, giving him the highest win percentage among Indian leaders with more than ten games at the helm.

Under Rohit’s leadership, India nearly claimed the 2023 home World Cup before falling to Australia in the final. In his last assignment, he guided India to a Champions Trophy victory in Dubai, earning the Player of the Final award for a stellar 76 against New Zealand.

See Also: India’s new ODI skipper: Shubman Gill's key milestones and records in this format

Rohit Sharma’s Comeback in the Team but as Player not Captain:

Once India’s dominant ODI leader, Rohit Sharma will now take a step back and play a supporting role as the team heads to Australia later this month for a three-match series. While the promotion of Test captain Shubman Gill to ODI skipper was anticipated, the speed of this transition surprised many.

With the next 50-over World Cup two years away, selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar explained that ODIs are the format played least frequently. Installing a new captain early gives Gill valuable time to adapt, gain experience, and develop his leadership, ultimately benefiting both him and the team in the long run.

Agarkar emphasized that having three different captains across formats was not sustainable, with Suryakumar Yadav already leading the T20 team. Appointing Shubman Gill as ODI captain aligns with his proven track record and gradual grooming for leadership. 

Since becoming Rohit Sharma’s deputy during the Sri Lanka tour last year, Gill has shown he can manage both captaincy and batting duties effectively, highlighted by 754 runs in five Tests in England and an ODI double-century to his name.

At 26, Gill is young enough to handle multiple responsibilities without being mentally burdened by format changes or tight schedules. As T20I vice-captain as well, his elevation to ODI skipper reinforces his status as India’s all-format leader-in-waiting and reflects the selectors’ confidence in his abilities.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Face New Challenges Ahead:

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now find themselves in a delicate phase of their careers, focusing on just one international format each. At 38 and soon-to-be 37 respectively, both legends have devoted nearly two decades to Indian cricket. However, with 50-over internationals becoming increasingly rare, they face the dual challenge of maintaining peak physical fitness and form while sustaining the mental sharpness that has defined their illustrious careers.

While India has seen players specialize in a single format before, rarely has that format been limited to ODIs alone. Despite their achievements, Rohit and Virat must continuously prove their worth, as emerging talents provide fresh competition. Their experience and skill remain invaluable, but longevity now depends on consistent performance and resilience.

Virat Kohli played a key role in revitalizing India’s Test cricket, particularly in challenging overseas conditions. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma reshaped the team’s mindset in limited-overs cricket, promoting a fearless, aggressive style from the very start of the innings. By leading through example, Rohit ensured that his teammates followed his approach, taking calculated risks while maintaining consistency.

Under his captaincy, India not only won matches but did so with style and panache, captivating fans with their entertaining brand of cricket. Achieving sustained success while adhering to an attacking philosophy, Rohit demonstrated that bold, risk-taking cricket can coexist with results. This fearless leadership and the flair his teams displayed remain defining highlights of his tenure as India’s limited-overs captain.

Many fans feel Rohit Sharma’s removal as ODI captain was premature, especially after guiding India to a global title, and their sentiment is understandable. However, once the selectors and coach Gautam Gambhir decided to back Shubman Gill as the future leader, the decision was final.

Without the security of captaincy, Rohit now faces a new phase in his career, taking on the dual role of senior player and mentor to the very player who succeeded him. This swift shift in responsibilities marks a dramatic role reversal, testing Rohit’s adaptability, leadership off the field, and ability to guide the next generation.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two former captains and veterans of Indian cricket, have returned to the ODI side for their three-match series against Australia down under, as the opening game will be played on October 19 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. There were reports that they could miss the series.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors revealed the 15-member squad for the Australia tour, where they have replaced Rohit with Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain of the Blue Brigade. The chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, noted that both these players will be available for the World Cup.

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“We've made it clear that whenever the players are available, they should be playing domestic cricket. If you are not playing international cricket, you are expected to play domestic cricket.” Agarkar, as a Delhi and Nagpur-born player, will look to find the best rhythm and form during the Australia series.

Ajit Agarkar reveals future for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ODI World Cup 2027

Rohit was excellent during the Champions Trophy 2025 as he opened the batting and showed his aggression inside the powerplay, which provided them with some rapid starts with the bat. Even Kohli was excellent at the number three position as he had been taking responsibility on several occasions.

“The 2027 ODI World Cup is far away, and it's not right to say anything about today. Those are two really experienced guys who have been around for a long time. They will find it really weird to play just one format. You should ask them. It doesn’t happen too many times.” Agarkar noted as he highlighted the board’s faith in their continued value to the team.

“It’s practically impossible to have three different captains for three formats in terms of planning. We will surely start planning for the ODI World Cup. Give the next guy enough time.” Agarkar expressed on the leadership. In Agarkar’s words, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to feature in the domestic competition.