India and Australia are all set to renew their rivalry as the two cricket powerhouses will clash for an eight-game white-ball series starting this Sunday, October 19.
The tour kicks off with a three-match ODI series, which marks the return of India icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in international cricket. The two stalwarts last featured for the Men in Blue in the Champions Trophy earlier this year.
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Last month, the squads for the white-ball series were announced, which surprised many. While Kohli and Sharma made the ODI squad, Sharma was removed from his role as India captain as Shubman was named as the new leader in the 50-over format.
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar faced a lot of criticism for the decision, as many felt that Sharma's removal from the captaincy role was a hint that it was the beginning of the end for the two veteran batters, as the management was clearly planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Now, two days before the start of the ODI series, Agarkar has opened up about his decision, while also making a statement on Sharma and Kohli's future in international cricket.
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Technically, Agarkar did not suggest that Sharma and Kohli's day in international cricket was numbers and in fact, he even mentioned that the two senior stars won't be put under any pressure during the ODI tour.
However, the former fast bowler also claimed that some new young players might come to the scene in the next two years and take Sharma and Kohli's positions.
Speaking on the NDTV 2025 World Summit, Agarkar 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.
"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."
He added: "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."
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What next for the Indian cricket team?
India and Australia will lock horns in the first ODI of the series on Sunday, October 19, in Perth.
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