Sunil Gavaskar Sparks Debate: Claims Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli’s ODI Selection ‘Agenda-Driven’

Last Updated:October 05, 2025, 15:28 IST

Sunil Gavaskar criticises Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for selective participation ahead of India’s Australia tour, questioning their commitment.

Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has said that if India had been touring Zimbabwe and not Australia later this month, Rohit Sharma and ace batter Virat Kohli would not have been available for the tour, slamming the legendary duo for their pick-and-choose attitude.

India are all set to tour Australia for a three-match ODI and five-match T20I series beginning October 19, serving as key preparation for the upcoming ICC 50-over event in South Africa.

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the return of Rohit and Kohli for the upcoming Australia series on Saturday, October 4, their first international appearance since the Champions Trophy earlier this year in the UAE.

While Agarkar stopped short of confirming Rohit and Kohli’s inclusion in the 2027 World Cup plans, the series could prove pivotal for both veterans.

However, Gavaskar suggested that Kohli and Rohit returned to action because the series is against Australia, the side that denied India the 2023 World Cup title at home. He added that had the opposition been the Windies or Zimbabwe, Rohit and Kohli might have extended their break.

“I am pretty certain that if this were a trip to Zimbabwe or the West Indies, both of them wouldn’t have been available. But because this is in Australia and because India lost to Australia in the World Cup final, maybe that is the reason why both of them have decided, yes, I want to be available for this,” Gavaskar said while speaking to India Today.

“It depends to a great extent on the number of one-day matches that India plays over the next couple of years. Look, it isn’t easy to be playing just seven or eight ODIs in a season while preparing for something as big as a World Cup,” Gavaskar added.

Like Agarkar, Gavaskar emphasised that Kohli and Rohit need to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to keep their World Cup aspirations alive.

First Published:

October 05, 2025, 14:58 IST

News cricket Sunil Gavaskar Sparks Debate: Claims Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli’s ODI Selection ‘Agenda-Driven’

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