Gambhir and Agarkar Told to Define Kohli–Rohit Expectations as Tensions Rise

Former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta has urged head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar to provide clear expectations for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's roles in the ODI setup, amid swirling speculation about their futures following retirements from T20Is and Tests. The call for transparency comes as India prepares for the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur, with reports indicating that ongoing debates over the veterans' longevity have soured the dressing room atmosphere. Dasgupta emphasised the need for a unified approach to foster team harmony, particularly with the 2027 ODI World Cup still two years away in South Africa. In the series opener on Sunday at the JSCA International Stadium here, Kohli silenced critics with a masterful 135 off 120 balls—his 52nd ODI century—and Rohit contributed a brisk 50, powering India to a 17-run victory in a high-scoring thriller. Yet, off-field tensions, including a reportedly strained relationship between Kohli and Gambhir, have overshadowed the on-field success, prompting BCCI intervention.

The uncertainty stems from the duo's shift to ODIs only, with limited matches—around 20 scheduled before the 2027 tournament—raising concerns about match fitness and form maintenance. Agarkar has refrained from guaranteeing their spots, stating that selections will hinge on performance, conditions, and emerging talent, while Gambhir has advised focusing on the present rather than distant goals. Social media buzz intensified ahead of the South Africa series, echoing similar speculation during the recent Australia tour, where Kohli endured early ducks before rebounding. To address the rift, the BCCI dispatched selector Pragyan Ojha to the team in Raipur, where videos captured him in intense discussions with Kohli at an airport and separately with Rohit alongside Gambhir, signalling efforts to mediate. Former chief selector MSK Prasad echoed Dasgupta's sentiments, advocating for an end to treating the stalwarts like they are "on trial" every series and drawing parallels to past team turbulences under coaches like Greg Chappell.

Dasgupta, speaking to the Times of India, stressed that repetitive uncertainty disrupts focus: "You can't go into every series with the same discussions going around. One needs to sit with them and get everything sorted." He called on Gambhir and Agarkar to outline specific expectations while urging Kohli and Rohit to share their preparation roadmap for the World Cup. "The team management and selectors need to spell out clearly what they expect from Kohli and Rohit. Similarly, Rohit and Kohli also offer an idea of how they want to plan their preparation... You want the dressing room to be a fun place and at peace," he added. This comes against the backdrop of the BCCI's recent promotion of Shubman Gill to ODI captaincy, signalling a gradual transition, though both veterans remain pivotal for their experience and run-scoring prowess—Kohli with over 13,000 ODI runs and Rohit as the format's leading six-hitter.

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Adding to the context, both players have reaffirmed commitment to domestic cricket, with Rohit confirming availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy weeks ago and Kohli notifying the Delhi and District Cricket Association of his participation just days prior. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak dismissed premature World Cup talks as irrelevant, noting the tournament's distance and the duo's current form. As India eyes a series win to build momentum post their 2023 World Cup final heartbreak, resolving these internal dynamics could prove as crucial as on-field strategies. With at least a post-series meeting planned involving Agarkar and Gambhir, the hope is for a roadmap that balances legacy with renewal, ensuring the dressing room regains its equilibrium for the long haul to 2027.

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