Did Selectors Request Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma To Play England Tests? Ajit Agarkar Opens Up

Two of the greatest Indian batters of the modern era, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, decided to retire from Tests just before the challenging Test series against England. As it turned out, India drew the series 2-2 under new captain Shubman Gill and a relatively new-look India side.

However, did the selectors persuade Kohli and Rohit to play the Test series? Chief selector Ajit Agarkar admits they would have loved some experience, but on hindsight, he is not too unhappy with the way things panned out in the series.

“Both of them have been stalwarts of Indian cricket,” Agarkar told NDTV. 

“They both approached… they felt it was a new WTC cycle and, whatever people might think or not think, that is the reality. I think both were very aware — perhaps they may not have gone for those two years as Test players for the WTC cycle.

“England was a series where we would have loved some experience, yes, frankly. Performance was incredible, even though we didn't win [the series]. Under a young captain, which was always going to be difficult, but we would have liked some experience.”

However, the former India pacer did not confirm or deny if the two players were spoken about touring England.  “Whether we tried to talk them into playing, I’ll keep it to myself,” Agarkar remarked.

India's next assignment will be the three-match ODI series agianst Australia, starting October 19 (Sunday), which will mark the return of Kohli and Rohit for the first time since March.