'Ajit Agarkar will lose this fight': Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma calls spark debate; Steve Harmison slams India chief selector

The future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in international cricket continues to dominate discussion, especially after the BCCI named Shubman Gill as India’s new ODI captain for the upcoming three-match series in Australia, beginning October 19.

Both Rohit and Kohli have been included in the squad purely as specialist batters, but the uncertainty surrounding their long-term roles has sparked debate. With the 2027 ODI World Cup as the team’s main focus, speculation is rife that the Australia tour could mark the final chapter of the two veterans’ decorated international careers.


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Chief selector Ajit Agarkar recently made it clear that players must participate in domestic cricket when fit and available if they wish to remain in contention for national selection. However, former England pacer Steve Harmison believes Agarkar could be misstepping with this approach, especially when dealing with players of Rohit and Kohli’s stature.

“Unfortunately I think there might be a messy end for Ajit Agarkar there. If anybody is going to win here I think it is the former captains rather than the former all-rounder,” Harmison said on talkSPORT Cricket. “But it all depends on, if Agarkar is saying this just to fuel the fire of Kohli and Sharma, then fair enough. You put your cards on the table and see what comes.”

Harmison further explained that while both players remain crucial to India’s setup, Kohli’s influence in 50-over cricket stands apart.

“I think Kohli has got a little bit of skin in the game. Runs in the bank, his reputation. Sharma, not as much. Sharma’s a little bit older. He’s not been as influential in 50-over cricket as Virat has,” he said.

The former England quick also warned that India could feel Kohli’s absence deeply if the selectors attempt a rebuild without him.

“If Virat turns around and says, ‘All right, you go to the 50-over World Cup without me... when you’re chasing 350 in 50 overs to win against Australia or England, and you haven’t got that bloke who averages 90 winning games at number four, see where your team’s at.’ There could be a messy end in that way,” Harmison added.

To stress the size of the issue Agarkar is dealing with, he added, "If Agarkar's looking for a fight, he's going to get one, but he's not going to win it."

Harmison further added with a tinge of humour, "I reckon a private jet will be put on from London." He joked that the Indian Team will surely miss Kohli if he isn't around for the next ODI World Cup and they start losing.

India’s first ODI against Australia is set to take place in Sydney on October 19.

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