Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli’s ODI Future Under Scrutiny: Dilip Vengsarkar Questions Selectors’ Call

India’s cricketing fraternity finds itself at another crossroads. With veteran stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli named in the upcoming ODI squad for the Australia tour, former captain and selector Dilip Vengsarkar has publicly questioned the logic behind their selection—particularly in light of their recent inactivity across formats.

The Core Concern: Form & Fitness in Absence of Play

Vengsarkar’s central argument strikes at the heart of selectors’ responsibilities: How do you assess form and match readiness when players haven’t competed in the full spectrum of international cricket?

Rohit and Kohli have effectively withdrawn from Tests and T20Is, focusing solely on ODIs. Vengsarkar contends that with limited opportunities for ODI matches during a season, it becomes "very difficult to gauge their form and fitness."

He suggests that their inclusion may rest more on their career records than on present-day merit—and that such a path demands bold decisions from selectors.

The Leadership Shift: Gill Takes Charge

The squad announcement came with another notable development: Shubman Gill was named India’s new ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma.

Vengsarkar has backed this decision, calling Gill "the best person to lead the side in ODIs and Test matches" thanks to his capability across formats.

This leadership transition underscores a broader strategic pivot — moving from experience to emerging leadership, while attempting to preserve continuity in batting firepower.

The 2027 World Cup: Time is Ticking

The real-time significance of this tour is magnified by one looming milestone: the 2027 ODI World Cup. By that time, Rohit will be around 40 and Kohli nearing 37.

Many observers believe that their continuance in the ODI setup cannot be indefinite. Vengsarkar hints that selectors must proactively decide whether to persist with these legends or "look ahead and give opportunities to those players who are available for all formats."

Counterpoints & Balancing Experience

Of course, Rohit and Kohli bring unmatched experience, mental strength, and match-winning temperament. The selectors reportedly confirmed both passed mandatory fitness tests, suggesting that physical criteria may have been satisfied.

Yet Vengsarkar’s critique is not just about fitness—it’s about recent competitive exposure, consistency, and match sharpness, all crucial at the highest level.

What Should Selectors Do?

• Clarify roles: Are Rohit and Virat transitional picks or core options?

• Manage a phased handover: Blend experience with youth so the team isn’t caught in transition mid-tournament.

• Monitor performance, not reputation: Selections should reward current form over past glory.

• Invest in all-format players: Youth who can adapt across formats may be more reliable in the long term.

Conclusion

Dilip Vengsarkar’s critique resonates not merely because he is a former great, but because it surfaces a deeper tension in Indian cricket: out with the old, in with the new — but in a way that respects history, not rushes it. As Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli prepare to don the blue once again, all eyes will be on their performance in Australia — and on how selectors lean into the inevitable transition that lies ahead.

Check out the latest Updates in Cricstrike

Micheal is a Digital Marketing Specialist passionate about sports, Seo, and online trends. He blends tradition with innovation to craft engaging, data-driven stories that connect with global audiences.