Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has sparked a major debate in Indian cricket circles by questioning the timing and intent behind Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s return to the ODI squad for the upcoming Australia tour. In a candid interview, Gavaskar said he was “pretty certain” that the duo’s decision to make themselves available was “agenda-driven,” suggesting that their participation was influenced more by the stature of the opposition than long-term team planning.
The remarks come after the BCCI announced India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia, beginning October 19, 2025. Kohli and Rohit, who had been absent from international cricket since the Champions Trophy earlier this year, were named in the squad, marking their comeback after a prolonged break.
India vs Australia ODI Series – Key Squad Highlights
| Player Name | Role | Status in Squad | Last ODI Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | Opening Batter | Selected | Champions Trophy 2025 |
| Virat Kohli | Top-order Batter | Selected | Champions Trophy 2025 |
| Shubman Gill | Opening Batter | Selected | Asia Cup 2025 |
| KL Rahul | Wicketkeeper | Selected | Asia Cup 2025 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Fast Bowler | Selected | Champions Trophy 2025 |
Gavaskar’s comments, made during a conversation with India Today, questioned the duo’s commitment to the ODI format and hinted at selective participation. “I’m pretty certain that if this were a trip to Zimbabwe or the West Indies, both of them would not have been available. But because this is in Australia, and because India lost to Australia in the World Cup final, maybe that is the reason why both of them have decided, yes, I want to be available for this,” Gavaskar said.
Sunil Gavaskar’s Key Remarks – Kohli-Rohit ODI Return
| Statement Context | Gavaskar’s Comment |
|---|---|
| Opposition Influence | “If it was Zimbabwe or West Indies, they wouldn’t play” |
| World Cup Final Motivation | “Maybe because India lost to Australia, they’re back” |
| ODI Calendar Concerns | “Seven or eight ODIs a season isn’t enough preparation” |
| Domestic Participation Advice | “They must play Vijay Hazare Trophy to stay relevant” |
The former India captain also emphasized that the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup would be challenging for both players, especially given the limited number of ODIs scheduled over the next two years. He urged Kohli and Rohit to participate in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy to maintain match fitness and stake a claim for World Cup selection.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, while announcing the squad, stopped short of confirming whether Kohli and Rohit were part of the long-term World Cup plans. “Their performance in this series could go a long way,” Agarkar said, indicating that the Australia ODIs may serve as a litmus test for the veteran duo.
India’s ODI Schedule – October 2025 to March 2026
| Series/Tournament | Number of ODIs | Opposition | Format Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Tour (Oct 2025) | 3 | Australia | Bilateral, prep for WC |
| South Africa Tour (Dec 2025) | 3 | South Africa | Bilateral, away challenge |
| Asia Cup (Feb 2026) | 5 | Multiple Nations | Continental championship |
| ICC ODI Super League Matches | 3 | TBD | Qualification pathway |
Gavaskar’s remarks have reignited discussions around player workload management and the increasing trend of senior players opting out of bilateral series. While Kohli and Rohit remain two of India’s most decorated cricketers, their intermittent appearances in ODIs have raised questions about consistency and team balance.
The controversy also comes amid a broader debate on leadership transition. With Gautam Gambhir reportedly taking charge after India’s New Zealand debacle earlier this year, the team’s cultural reset has been a focal point. Gavaskar hinted that retaining Rohit as ODI captain could have disrupted the new team dynamics.
Leadership Transition – India’s ODI Captaincy Timeline
| Time Period | Captain | Key Series/Tournaments | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–May 2025 | Rohit Sharma | Champions Trophy | Semi-final exit |
| June–Aug 2025 | KL Rahul (interim) | Asia Cup | Runner-up |
| Sept–Oct 2025 | Gautam Gambhir | New Zealand Tour | Series loss |
| Oct 2025 onwards | TBD | Australia Tour | Squad announced, captain TBD |
Social media platforms have exploded with reactions to Gavaskar’s comments, with hashtags like #GavaskarOnKohliRohit, #AgendaDrivenSelection, and #IndiaAustraliaODIs trending across Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube. Fans and analysts are divided, with some supporting Gavaskar’s candid assessment and others defending the players’ right to choose their workload.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Gavaskar’s Comments
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.4M mentions | 78% mixed | #GavaskarOnKohliRohit #ODIControversy |
| 1.1M interactions | 82% curious | #IndiaAustraliaODIs #CricketDebate | |
| 950K views | 80% supportive | #VeteranComeback #GavaskarSpeaks | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 85% analytical | #CricketPanel #ODISelectionDebate |
Former cricketers like Harbhajan Singh and VVS Laxman have weighed in, calling for a balanced approach that respects both player autonomy and team needs. “We need to find a middle ground. Senior players bring experience, but the team must evolve,” Laxman said during a panel discussion.
In conclusion, Sunil Gavaskar’s assertion that Kohli and Rohit’s return for the Australia ODIs is “agenda-driven” has triggered a storm of opinions, reflecting the complex dynamics of modern cricket. As India prepares for a crucial overseas assignment, the spotlight remains firmly on its veteran stars and the selectors’ long-term vision. Whether this series marks a genuine comeback or a symbolic gesture remains to be seen.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews, verified media reports, and official squad announcements. It does not constitute personal opinion or prediction of match outcomes. Readers are advised to follow updates from BCCI and official broadcasters for accurate information.
