Ajit Agarkar’s Remark: The 2027 World Cup Question
The lead-up to India’s routes for the next big assignments has taken another turn after Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, addressed the media following the selection announcement for the Australia tour. In a press interaction that drew the attention of millions of fans, Agarkar clarified the stance on two of India’s most enduring leaders — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — regarding their participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
According to Agarkar, both Rohit and Kohli are not committed to the 2027 World Cup at this moment. The emphasis, he suggested, is on current responsibilities and ensuring that the team is prepared for the immediate challenges on the horizon. The message, as conveyed, was clear: their involvement in future multi-year events will be guided by timing and form, with a focus on what helps Team India in the near term.
Such a stance has immediately sparked debate among fans and pundits, given the lore surrounding Rohit and Kohli as veterans who have shaped India’s modern era. The two leaders have steered India through countless campaigns, and a potential non-commitment to the 2027 World Cup raises questions about the team’s leadership structure and the path ahead for younger talents aiming to peak at a marquee event.
India’s ODI Squad for Australia Tour
In the same press conference, the selectors announced the ODI squad for the Australia tour, with Shubman Gill named captain of the ODI side. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are named members of the squad, signaling that while Gill will lead the unit, the veterans remain integral to the team’s balance and experience. The rest of the squad blends established white-ball specialists with promising talents who can shoulder responsibility in the middle and at the top of the order.
The squad includes: Shubman Gill (captain), Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The roster reflects a mix of steady performers and high-ceiling youngsters, designed to compete across formats and to keep India competitive on the world stage while also grooming the next generation for the 2027 window.
Leadership, Roles, and the Dressing Room
Agarkar acknowledged the enduring influence of Rohit and Kohli within the Indian dressing room. He described them as leaders who have guided Team India for many years and who continue to contribute significantly even as the squad evolves. The arrangement appears to position Gill as the on-field captain for ODIs, with Rohit and Kohli providing mentorship and strategic input from prominent roles within the squad. This dynamic aims to preserve continuity while embedding fresh leadership that can help India adapt to evolving conditions abroad.
Around the Australia Tour: ODI Schedule and Context
The upcoming ODI series forms a key part of India’s build-up ahead of longer formats on the tour. The schedule is concise but demanding, with the three-match ODI series slated to begin in Perth on October 19, followed by matches in Adelaide on October 23 and Sydney on October 25. For a squad that includes a mix of veterans and emerging stars, the series will test depth, handling of pressure, and the ability to execute game plans under varying conditions in Australia.
As questions about the 2027 World Cup swirl, fans are watching how the team balances immediate goals with long-term plans. Agarkar’s comments underscore a pragmatic approach: respect the past, but plan for the future with a clear-eyed view of form, fitness, and readiness. Whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will opt to prolong their international careers into the 2027 edition remains to be seen, but their influence on India’s journey toward another World Cup campaign is undeniable.
