MUMBAI — Amid simmering debates over the future of senior players in India’s limited-overs setup, former chief selector and pacer Chetan Sharma has firmly thrown his weight behind Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, arguing that merit, form, and fitness must always outweigh age.
Speaking to The Times of India, Sharma labeled the batting icons the “Kohinoors” of Indian cricket, dismissing persistent talk about phase-outs as unnecessary noise. His remarks arrive at a critical juncture, with current chief selector Ajit Agarkar set to conclude his tenure on October 4, rekindling questions over how India will shape its top-order hierarchy heading into the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“People are saying a hundred things, but age is just a number. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are the ‘Kohinoors’ of Indian cricket,” Sharma stated. “If they are fit and performing, why shouldn’t they play? Rohit recently scored a century against England at Lord’s, and Virat delivers consistently. We need match-winners who can win trophies for us, and both remain more than capable.”
Sharma, who chaired India’s selection panel from December 2020 to February 2023, reminded fans and critics alike of Rohit’s leadership pedigree—most notably ending India’s 17-year wait for an ICC T20 World Cup title. He stressed that experience under pressure is an asset that cannot be manufactured overnight.
Beyond the national team debate, Sharma also commended the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for enforcing mandatory participation in domestic red-ball competitions like the Ranji Trophy for fit centrally contracted players.
“When I was chief selector, my philosophy was simple: domestic form must be respected and rewarded. Seeing the BCCI strictly enforce this now is a dream come true for Indian cricket’s foundational structure,” Sharma noted.
Addressing broader events on the continental stage, the former fast bowler also backed both the Indian men’s and women’s cricket squads to claim gold medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, reinforcing his confidence in the nation’s remarkable cricketing depth.