It’s difficult to assess their form: Dilip Vengsarkar raises questions on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s selection for Australia ODIs

World Cup 1983 champion Dilip Vengsarkar has questioned the selection of veteransRohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Team India against Australia for three ODIs to be played Down Under between October 19 and 25.

Both Rohit and Kohli haven’t played international cricket since March 9 while the two played competitive cricket in June, when the IPL knockouts were held in Ahmedabad. Since then, they haven’t played any domestic or international matches. Noting this fact, Vengsarkar feels it’s difficult to know the fitness level and form of both India stalwarts.

Speaking to Mid-Day, Vengsarkar said, “Since they have not been playing Test cricket as well as T20s, and are playing only one format ODIs, which itself is not played very often during the season it’s very difficult to gauge their form and fitness,” he said. “But since they have been picked, the selectors may have checked that, though I don’t know how.”

Dilip Vengsarkar wants selectors to take a call on the legends’ careers

Vengsarkar believes that both Rohit andVirat Kohli have made massive contributions in Team India’s progress, but it’s time for the selectors to take a call on the ODI careers of both players as the side don’t play the format on a regular basis. Vengsarkar feels this makes it difficult for the selectors to judge their readiness and fitness.

“Rohit and Virat have been great players over the years, but if you are playing just one format, the selectors need to take a call on this,” he added. “It’s difficult to assess their form and fitness because of the long layoff after their last game. They’ve done yeoman service to Indian cricket and have won many matches. But the selectors must decide whether to stick with them or move forward with players available for all formats.” added Vengsarkar.