Former Australian captain Steve Waugh has commented on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI future, emphasising that no player is irreplaceable in modern cricket. The discussion centers around BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar‘s challenge regarding Kohli and Rohit’s participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup.Kohli and Rohit, who are among cricket’s most followed players, are aiming to participate in the 2027 World Cup. However, they will either be over 40 or approaching that age when the tournament begins, which is unusual in today’s intensive cricket environment.Agarkar faces a complex situation where dropping these players could create significant controversy, while selecting them based on their past achievements could impact India’s chances of winning their first 50-over World Cup in 16 years.“The players have to take some responsibility and realise that the game is bigger than the individual. You can’t put yourself above the game. You’ve got to realise that the game moves on and someone else will take your place. You’re not irreplaceable. So I think the players can’t dictate the game. At the end of the day, the chairman of selectors has got to make a call for the better,” Waugh told senior journalist Vimal Kumar on his YouTube channel.Agarkar has subtly indicated some flexibility regarding their performance requirements. However, BCCI administrators have privately suggested to media outlets that World Cup squad selection will be based on merit.The situation is further complicated as Rohit recently earned Player of the Series against Australia in his comeback series, while Kohli demonstrated strong form in the final match.“You’ve got to be open and honest with the players as chairman of selectors. You need to have input. I don’t think you can afford to be too close to the players. You got to have some distance because sometimes you have got to make a tough call. Every chairman is different in the way they go about it,” he added. “I hope Ajit Agarkar has a good relationship with the players, but he’s got to have some distance as well. Communication with experienced players is very important – Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma – what are you thinking? At the end of the day, the chairman of selectors has got to make a call.”
