As BCCI finalizes the list for annual central contracts for Team India players, it has been reported that veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be retained in the A+ grade contract slab. However, the primary objective extends beyond the current year's retainership, which goes from October 2024 to September 2025.
The real question is whether Rohit and Virat will continue to play Test cricket. While both remain elite players, their future in all forms is unknown.
Both have already retired from T20 internationals, and it's uncertain if they will continue in the game's longest format during the current World Test Championship cycle, which begins with India's five-Test series in England.
The selectors have also spoken with Virat Kohli about his uncertain Test future, with the idea that the England visit might make or break his career.
Rohit allegedly considered retiring from Test cricket during the Australia series, as seen by his decision to withdraw for the last Test. While he never publicly declared his retirement, India Today reported that he considered leaving red-ball cricket before the England tour.
However, after the Champions Trophy, Rohit spoke with the BCCI's senior brass and expressed his wish to play on the England tour. The BCCI was willing to endorse his choice following India's victory.
This has put the selectors in a tight situation. Questions have risen about whether they will adopt a clear stance and prioritize India's long-term development or whether Rohit's prominence will make it more difficult for them to make a definitive decision.
There is also a question about if they persuade him to withdraw from Test cricket before the squad is announced.
There is a serious issue about letting a senior player continue if his performance in the format is below par. A downturn in form might have an impact on India's performance at the start of the next cycle, as well as the selectors' reputation.
Rohit has played only one red-ball match since the Australia tour—a Ranji Trophy game—with no clear evidence of a return to Test form, while thriving in ODIs. Rohit has struggled for runs in Tests. In three games, Rohit scored only 31 runs at an average of 6.20.
Virat, on the other hand, got a century in the second innings in the Perth Test but was unable to make a significant score elsewhere. Rohit and Virat made their comebacks in the Ranji Trophy but were unable to score much.
However, Rohit and Virat made apologies by helping India win the Champions Trophy in Dubai. Rohit struck a match-winning 76 in the final, while Virat contributed centuries of 100 not out and 84 against Pakistan and Australia, respectively.
India's tour of England begins on June 20 with the first Test at Headingley in Leeds. Edgbaston, Lord's, Old Trafford, and Kennington Oval will host the remaining four Tests.
(India Today report)
