Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Asked To Play Domestic Cricket: ‘Ajit Agarkar Would’ve Had…’ | Cricket News

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to return to action during India’s white-ball tour of Australia next month. Already retired from T20Is and Tests, the duo last featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 where Kohli lifted the trophy for the first time in 18 years. Before their respective comebacks, several media reports suggested that Rohit and Kohli would feature in the one-day game against Australia A. However, the stalwarts weren’t named in the India A squad, led by Shreyas Iyer.

Meanwhile, former India opener K Srikkanth has suggested that Rohit and Kohli are automatic choices for him in ODIs but they must keep their rhythm by playing domestic cricket. Speaking in his latest YouTube video, he said Rohit would be his captain for the series and the duo should continue playing.

“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are superstars. In my opinion, they will be automatic choices for the Australia tour. If I was the chairman of selectors, I would make Rohit Sharma as the captain for the Australia ODI series. Now you’re saying rumours about their futures. They should be playing.” Srikkanth said.

“Ajit Agarkar would have had a word with them. The board would have asked them, how are you going to plan for the series,” he added.

The 1983 World Cup winner further stated that the board would have told the duo to play domestic cricket.

“The chairman and the board will have a word with them and say that ‘You guys will have to come and start playing domestic cricket. Because it is good for you and the team’. They need match practice and they will come and do it,” Srikkanth said.

“Kohli may be practising in England and Rohit might be doing the same at the NCA. They will be preparing for it. The fact that they said they’re available and want to play the 2027 World Cup, hoping that they can win it for the team at that time. That’s why they’re playing. So, I will surely give them the chance to play,” he added.

The former selector stated the importance of domestic cricket for both men as they need to get their rhythm back.

“You should tell them to play domestic cricket in the ODI format. Tell them to play Vijay Hazare Trophy, to get back in the rhythm. They themselves know it. They were two big captains of the current era.”

“For a person like Kohli, who have done so much for India, I will give extra leverage surely,” he concluded.