BCCI Selectors Reverse Call on Kohli, Rohit Rest for Afghanistan ODIs: Report Details ‘U-Turn’ Reasoning
In a notable shift in selection strategy, the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee has decided to include senior stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan, despite initially planning to rest the duo. The series is scheduled to begin on June 14, with matches in Dharamsala and Lucknow.
the selection panel had first considered giving both former captains a break from the Afghanistan ODIs. The primary reason behind the initial plan was workload management following the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season.
“Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his selection panel held a detailed discussion regarding the veterans’ availability. While initial talks leaned toward giving both players a breather following their workload in the IPL 2026 season, the committee ultimately decided that game time was more crucial since both now feature in only one international format,” the report stated.
Both Kohli and Rohit have stepped away from T20Is and Tests, making ODIs their sole format in international cricket. With the 2027 ODI World Cup still under two years away, the selectors reportedly felt that ensuring continuity and match practice outweighed the need for rest at this stage.
The report added that consistent performances will be key for selection going forward, and neither veteran is guaranteed a spot in the 2027 World Cup squad. Picking them for the Afghanistan series gives the team management a chance to keep them in the 50-over rhythm.
The Afghanistan tour of India starts with a one-off Test in Mullanpur on June 6, followed by three ODIs. The first ODI is set for June 14 in Dharamsala at 1:30 pm IST, with the second ODI on June 17 in Lucknow at the same time.
India comes into the series after a strong run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. The team defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final on March 8 in Ahmedabad, after beating England by 7 runs in the semi-final and West Indies by 5 wickets in the Super 8 stage.
For now, the focus shifts back to the 50-over format, with Kohli and Rohit set to return to action despite the selection committee’s earlier reservations.
BCCI selectors considered resting Kohli and Rohit for Afghanistan ODIs to manage workload post IPL 2026.
Since both players now play only ODIs, the panel prioritized game time and continuity over rest. With the ODI World Cup less than two years away, spots are not guaranteed. Selection will depend on consistent performances.
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