“Age is just a number.” That is the defiant sentiment echoing through the corridors of Indian cricket as the debate over the future of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli reaches a fever pitch. With the tenure of current chief selector Ajit Agarkar nearing its October 4 conclusion—amidst rampant speculation that his potential departure is linked to internal friction regarding the leadership’s direction—the conversation has turned back to the icons who continue to define the game.
Stepping into the fray, former India chief selector and legendary pacer Chetan Sharma has offered a resounding endorsement for the longevity of both Sharma and Kohli, framing them as the undisputed “Kohinoors” of the sport.
The “Kohinoors” of Indian Cricket
As the BCCI navigates a transition period, the pressure on Rohit Sharma’s ODI future has been a constant narrative. However, Chetan Sharma, the man who famously claimed the first hat-trick in ODI World Cup history, believes the fixation on age is misguided and detrimental to the national interest.
“I can understand that people are saying a hundred things. I have been a cricketer too, so I respect and love them as cricketers,” Chetan Sharma told TOI on Monday. “Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are the ‘Kohinoors’ of Indian cricket. Age is just a number. If they are fit and performing, then why not?”
The former selector pointed to the cold, hard reality of the scoreboard as his primary defense. “Rohit recently scored a century against England at Lord’s; Virat gets one in almost every game. What is the problem? We want players who can win games for us, and they both are capable of doing it.”
A Legacy of Winning
The debate often overlooks the tangible success these veterans have brought to the country. Chetan Sharma was quick to remind critics of the monumental achievement delivered by the current leadership.
“I love watching them when they come and bat for India and they win trophies for us. Rohit won us a trophy after so many years,” he said, referencing India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign, which ended a 17-year drought. “We should be grateful. We should not listen to other people.”
When posed with the ultimate question—should these legends be considered for the ODI World Cup next year?—Chetan Sharma’s stance was unequivocal: “If they are fit, and they are getting the runs, then why not? I am asking this question to everyone.”
Reflecting on Leadership and Tenure
The backdrop of this discourse is the reported tension between Ajit Agarkar and the BCCI hierarchy regarding the future of senior players. While Chetan Sharma, who served as chief selector from December 2020 to February 2023, chose not to explicitly comment on the inner workings of the current board’s personnel decisions, he was firm in his own philosophy on player management.
“When I was the chief selector, we made Rohit the captain. We trusted him, that’s why we made him the captain. Virat was always an asset for Indian cricket,” he stated. “As I said, if they are fit and they are getting runs for India, then we should be happy.”
A Renewed Focus on Domestic Foundations
Beyond the individual futures of superstars, Chetan Sharma expressed immense satisfaction regarding the BCCI’s recent mandate requiring all Indian players to prioritize domestic cricket. The policy, which demands that fit players participate in the Ranji Trophy or first-class matches, is a move Sharma has championed for years.
“When I was the India chief selector, my thinking was that if you are doing well in domestic cricket, you should be given a chance,” Sharma remarked. “The BCCI spends so much money and effort to organize domestic cricket. We have to respect it. My dream has come true, and I am really thankful to the BCCI for this.”
Eyes on the Asian Games
While the focus remains on the stars of the past and present, the future continues to beckon on the international stage. As the conversation shifts to the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, Chetan Sharma offered his backing to the current squads.
With the Indian women’s team preparing for their gold medal clash against Sri Lanka and the men’s side led by Shreyas Iyer gearing up for their quarterfinal kickoff on September 28, Sharma sees a bright future for the contingent. If the veterans provide the inspiration and the youngsters provide the depth, the path forward for Indian cricket looks not like a decline, but a disciplined evolution.
For now, the message from the old guard to the current administration is clear: Stop looking at birth certificates and start looking at the match-winners in the middle. As long as the runs keep coming, the “Kohinoors” aren’t going anywhere.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
