Champions Trophy 2025: Virat Kohli was asked about his future plans by selectors after poor show in Australia - Report

Add as a preferred source on Google

Virat Kohli's commanding century against Pakistan in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 may have silenced his critics, but a report by Cricbloggers suggests that just weeks ago, his place in the Indian team was under scrutiny.

According to the report, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir had asked Kohli about his future plans during India's tour of Australia earlier this year when he was struggling for runs.

Virat Kohli was caught off guard when Agarkar raised the question shortly after India's defeat in the Melbourne Test. The timing of the inquiry was even more surprising given that minutes before this conversation, Gambhir had reportedly offered Kohli the Test captaincy in light of Rohit Sharma's poor form.

"This incident happened right after India lost to Australia in the Melbourne Test and the team was getting ready for the fifth and final match in Sydney," a source told Cricblogger. "Agarkar was only doing his job as the chief selector to enquire about Kohli's mindset."

While Kohli did not immediately respond to the captaincy offer, his match-winning century against Pakistan in Dubai appears to have provided the perfect response to any doubts about his commitment. The source further added, "The selection committee must have got their answer to their question to Kohli."

The report also sheds light on tensions within the team, particularly regarding Rohit Sharma's Test future. Gambhir, who played a major role in team selection, was reportedly unhappy with Rohit's form and was instrumental in dropping him for the final Test in Sydney. While Rohit's PR team suggested that he voluntarily stepped down after a series of low scores, sources claim that Gambhir had already decided to bench him.

"Gambhir and some of the selectors are convinced that Rohit's time is over in international cricket," an insider stated. By questioning Kohli's future, it is believed that Agarkar and Gambhir were assessing if the former skipper still saw himself as a long-term member of the squad.

With his century against Pakistan, Kohli has reaffirmed his stature as a big-game player. His performance not only helped India secure a crucial win but also sent a clear message-Virat Kohli is far from done.