Team India's former pacer Ajit Agarkar, recently appointed as the Chief Selector of the Indian Men’s Cricket Team, is all set to join the Indian squad in Port of Spain during INDIA vs WEST INDIES 2nd Test. This will be Ajit's first official meeting with current head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma since taking over as the new chairman. Agarkar will remain with the Indian contingent for IND vs WI ODI and T20I series as well and will discuss the way forward for the Indian Team.
Senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have not been a part of India's T20I setup ever since the T20 World Cup last year. Rohit continues to captain the national squad in Tests and ODIs but Hardik Pandya has taken over the charge as India's T20I captain. The star all rounder will continue to do so against West Indies in the upcoming IND vs WI T20I series for which both Rohit and Virat have been rested.
In an effort to reverse the mistakes of the previous two World Cup editions, team India selectors have been making an effort to give youngsters a chance and provide them with more exposure. Since Kohli and Rohit are both in their mid-30s, the think tank likely believes there’s no place for them in the shortest format asnd with age not on their side, they are more important to the team in ODIs and Tests.
“The time to bring in young blood in the T20 set up is overdue. They need enough opportunities and exposure before the big event to settle into their roles. Agarkar will make it clear to both Rohit and Kohli that they should concentrate on ODI and Test cricket,” as mentioned by The Telegraph.
After the end of the West Indies tour, India's next assignment will be a three-match T20 against Ireland in Dublin, starting from August 18 onwards.
Along with the composition of the World Cup squad, Jasprit Bumrah's fitness and availability of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer will also be discussed.