Age factor weighs on Rohit Sharma's captaincy axe

Reality seems to be catching up with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the two flag-bearers of Indian cricket for close to two decades. Having already made themselves dispensable in Tests and ODIs, even their once-assumed indispensability in the 50-over format - the only format they now play - appears to have vanished. They may no longer be immune to the vagaries of selection - no special privileges anymore and may soon find themselves subject to the same selection criteria as everyone else.

The national selection committee, which met on Saturday to pick the ODI squad for the upcoming series in Australia, is non-committal about the long-term future of the two icons, even as it has reposed immense faith in Shubman Gill, the newly appointed ODI captain. Gill's elevation has been made with long-term planning, particularly with the 2027 World Cup in mind. The same clarity, though, is missing in the case of Rohit and Kohli.

"I don't think we need to talk about it today," Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, said, reflecting the selection committee's unwillingness to come clear on the future of the two stalwarts. "That's the format they are playing at the moment. We have picked them." As for the 2027 World Cup, the matter has been left open-ended for now - except, of course, for Gill, who is expected to lead the side in the showpiece event in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The selection committee is also not keen on having three different captains in three different formats.

So Gill was invited for the selection meeting, held virtually as the selectors are spread across different places - some in Nagpur, some in Kanpur. Agarkar, of course, is in Ahmedabad. The same way, Suryakumar Yadav was invited for the T20I selection meeting.

The selectors have also factored in the ages of Rohit and Kohli. Kohli is 36 and will be 39 by the time the 2027 World Cup begins, while Rohit, 38 now, will be 40. Age, clearly, is not on their side, and it is understood that this has weighed on the minds of the selectors for some time.

Agarkar confirmed that he had spoken to Rohit, but it is unlikely that conversation happened in the recent past. Sources say the communication had gone out to Rohit some time ago. Agarkar kept the matter open-ended on how Rohit had taken the decision. "I mean, that's a conversation between me and Rohit. But like I said earlier, it's been communicated," the chief selector remarked.

There have been various speculations about how Rohit has reacted to the selectors' call but sources indicate that planning for the 2027 World Cup around the two stalwarts is not going to be straightforward. Apart from the age factor, India have only about nine to ten ODIs scheduled before the tournament - unless a few additional series are arranged in the lead-up.

They two will also have to return to domestic cricket if they wish to prolong their ODI careers. Agarkar made it clear that this is non-negotiable. "I think that we've made it clearer a couple of years back. Whenever the guys are available, they should be playing domestic cricket. That's the only way you'll keep yourself sharp and play cricket." Kohli has not featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the 50-over domestic competition since 2013. Rohit last played a VHT game in 2018. This year's VHT starts on December 24 and runs till January 24.

What is more, they have to keep scoring as well. "I mean, what they've been doing for years, trying to score runs. I don't think that changes," the chief selector said of the expectations from the two. "You're still playing for your country. I mean, they're still leaders in their dressing room. And you hope they are. But eventually, it's the runs. They've scored tonnes of it, both of them. And been extremely successful in this format. So we hope they keep doing it."

Rohit's initial plan was to continue till the 2027 World Cup. How he will take the latest development is a matter of speculation. But life sure has become tougher for him as also for his celebrated teammate.