Overview:
With the meeting planned during the series, the possibility of Virat and Rohit's presence looks slim.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has summoned head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for a meeting ahead of the second ODI against South Africa to discuss important matters. The development comes amid the speculation around the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom are in impressive form in the last few contests.
According to a report in Sportstar, the Indian cricket board’s secretary Devajit Saikia, joint secretary Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, Gambhir and Agarkar will be a part of the meeting. The report didn’t reveal whether the recently appointed BCCI president, Mithun Manhas, will be involved in the conversation.
With the meeting planned during the series, the possibility of Virat and Rohit’s presence looks slim. The report quoted an official of the apex body of the Indian cricket saying that the meeting is taking place to ensure consistency in the selection process while keeping the future in mind.
The meeting will also address the shortcomings during the home Test series defeat against the visiting South African team. With Gambhir and Agarkar’s presence, the board wants clarity on some aspects.
“The tactics during the home Test season were confusing on and off the field. The board wants clarity and planning, with the next Test assignment eight months away,” the official said.
“India are favourites for the T20 World Cup next year and strong contenders for the ODI World Cup in 2027. The board wants these issues to be resolved soon,” the official added.
The meeting is unlikely to discuss the communication gap between team management and senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. There were rumours that the BCCI was willing to ask Kohli to come out of the Test retirement, but the legendary batter ended the possibility of competing in red-ball cricket again after the end of the Ranchi ODI on Sunday.