Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India’s star batter Virat Kohli was seen having a long chat with newly appointed selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar and Salil Ankola. The discussion between the three took place after Virat finished his batting in the nets at Kensington Oval ahead of Thursday’s ODI series opener against West Indies. It seemed it was a healthy chat between the selection committee chairman and Virat. It is not exactly known what was the discussion all about but possibly it could be about how to look at the preparations with two major tournaments coming up i.e., Asia Cup which is in August and September followed by the World Cup in October and November.
The former India all-rounder has joined Salil Ankola in Barbados. Agarkar was seen with Rahul Dravid on Tuesday night attending the Frank Worrell Memorial lecture. Agarkar will be in the Caribbean for the ODI and T20I series and could discuss the way forward.
According to reports, while the pool of players has already been identified for the ODI World Cup in October-November, the chief selector is likely to discuss India’s blueprint for the T20 World Cup next year. More specifically, Agarkar is expected to communicate with both Rohit and Virat about the roadmap for the shortest format.
Both the senior pros haven’t played a T20I since the World Cup in Australia last year and it is clear that they don’t feature in the scheme of things. Hardik Pandya has been the de facto captain.
The selectors have been trying to give enough exposure to the youngsters as they look to overturn the disasters of the last two editions. Both Rohit and Kohli are in their mid-30s and the think-tank feels there is no place for them in the shortest format.
India’s next T20I assignment after the West Indies will be the three-match series in Dublin on August 18, 20 and 23.