Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s selection was not based on merit? Aakash Chopra raises serious questions

Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra He shared his thoughts on the future of two of India’s biggest batting stars, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, especially with the 2027 ICC World Cup just around the corner. The former Indian opener believes that as long as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to perform consistently, there is no reason not to include them in the ICC 2027 World Cup squad.

The commentator stressed that there will be “no favoritism or quota system” when it comes to selecting prominent players, and criticized news Of selection bias in Indian cricket. He stressed that the selection system in India has always been based on merit.

I wonder when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were not selected on merit: Aakash Chopra

He insisted that players are selected strictly based on their performance, and this merit-based approach has been a key factor behind India’s success across formats over the years. Well, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are ready to play under Shubman Gill in ODIs now.

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The former India batsman pointed out that it would not be unusual or surprising to see Rohit and Kohli playing under Gill. Even Chopra compared the situation to the 2011 World Cup, when Sachin Tendulkar, one of the world’s greatest ever batsmen, played under MS Dhoni.

“The big news is that Rohit Sharma is not there as captain, Virat Kohli is there, but no one knows what road lies ahead. I read an article where it was written that their selection will be on merit. I wonder when their selection was not on merit. Merit just works. There is no favoritism or quota system here. India is doing well because everyone who is good plays here. If you are good, You will play for India and if you perform consistently well, you will stay in the team.

Aakash Chopra highlights the challenges faced by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the 2027 ICC World Cup

Since the retirement of India’s batting stars from Test and T20I cricket, Chopra pointed out that the opportunities for Virat and Rohit to showcase their form consistently are now more limited, making it difficult to maintain rhythm, and that could go against them in terms of selection for the 2027 ICC World Cup.

Chopra also suggested Rohit and Kohli to participate in domestic tournaments like Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy whenever they get the chance, as it will help them stay in touch with the game, maintain match fitness, and adapt to different situations on the field.

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He added: “It is said that form is temporary, and class is permanent. However, since you do not play with any other form, knowing this form and seeing this class repeatedly will not be repetitive. This is the truth.”

Aakash Chopra shows a mirror to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Chopra explained that players who compete in all formats generally have longer careers because they remain active and in the minds of the selectors, and this is where he fears for both Rohit and Kohli as they are now only active in ODI cricket.

He concluded by saying, “It’s always the case that players in all formats have a little longer career. They are always in your thoughts. However, it is very difficult for players in the single format, whether you are just playing Tests, ODIs or T20Is. Not playing any cricket is a problem. The gaps have become very long. That is not a good thing.”