Ajit Agarkar Responds to Criticism Over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Test Retirements: "I Don't Read Hate Mails"

During the NDTV World Summit 2025, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the wave of criticism he faced following the landmark decision by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to retire from Test cricket ahead of India’s five-match series against England earlier this year. The retirements paved the way for Shubman Gill to take over the Test captaincy and marked the beginning of a new era for Indian cricket.

Handling Criticism with Grace

Agarkar revealed that although he received numerous ‘hate mails’ after these high-profile retirements, he chose not to read them, focusing solely on official communication from the BCCI. "I don't read, apart from the official BCCI e-mails," he stated, displaying a composed attitude amid public scrutiny.

He emphasized the stature and contribution of Virat and Rohit as stalwarts of the game. “Both of them approached us with their decision, being fully aware of the new World Test Championship cycle. While England was a series where more experience would have been desirable, they had made their choice. Once a player has given so much and is sure about stepping away from a format, you have to respect that,” Agarkar said.

On the Impact of Retirements and New Captains

Agarkar acknowledged that the retirement of two of India's biggest names left a void but highlighted the team’s commendable performance under Shubman Gill in England, where India managed a 2-2 draw. The selector expressed admiration for Gill’s capabilities as a young leader navigating challenging circumstances.

Future of Kohli and Rohit in ODIs and World Cup Plans

Speculation continues about Kohli and Rohit’s involvement in India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Agarkar stated that no definitive decisions have been made. “They are part of the current squad for Australia and have been phenomenal players for years. Two years from now is a long way away. They should not be put on trial in every game. We assess their performance as they play,” he explained.

He made it clear that selection will be based on merit, experience, and team needs rather than solely on past glories or statistics. “It’s about winning trophies, not just making runs. Scoring three hundreds in Australia does not guarantee selection for the World Cup,” Agarkar added, emphasizing a holistic view by the selectors.

Moving Forward with the Team

Agarkar’s comments underline the BCCI’s support for transition while respecting the wishes of veteran players. The board appears focused on balancing experience with emerging talent, ensuring competitiveness in all formats. The respect shown towards the decisions of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli reflects a mature approach in managing one of cricket’s most transformative phases for India.