Team Selection Meeting Already? Rohit Sharma-Ajit Agarkar Encounter Sparks Speculation

The Indian cricket team produced a brilliant performance to beat England by 106 runs in the second Test match and level the five-match series 1-1 on Monday. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin produced a brilliant bowling performance to clinch the game after sensational knocks from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. With the two Tests done and dusted, the focus now shifts to the remaining three matches and the selectors are expected to name the India squad in the next few days. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar was present in Visakhapatnam and following the match, he had a chat with skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid resulting in a bunch of speculation on social media.

Chat between captain Rohit Sharma, Coach Dravid and selector Agarkar after the match. pic.twitter.com/AhyaxIAMH0

— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) February 5, 2024

The main question marks are currently on Shreyas Iyer and KS Bharat - two players who have not performed well in the Test series. With Virat Kohli and KL Rahul potentially coming back for the remaining matches, there are rumours that Iyer can end up losing his spot in the playing XI.

Captain Rohit Sharma and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar are having a chat in Vizag.#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/wm0JfTVV44

— Satish Mishra(@SATISHMISH78) February 5, 2024

Shubman Gill was also under the scanner but a brilliant century in the second innings was a perfect reply to his critics and for now, his position is expected to be safe.

Planning for team selection
Rohit Sharma with agarkar between the match#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/E3Ybc04KMR

— Cricfever (@SharmaRinku16) February 5, 2024

Coming to the match, chasing a record 399 for victory, England were bowled for 292 in the second session on day four in Visakhapatnam, despite an attacking start and Zak Crawley's 73.

Long discussion between Rohit & Agarkar
And between Dravid & Shreyas Iyer.

Important selection decisions coming up!#INDvENG

— Ajay Srinivasan (@Ajaychairman) February 5, 2024

Bumrah and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who ended the match on 499 Test wickets, took three each in the final innings and the pace spearhead bowled Tom Hartley to complete the win.

Shubman Gill set up the comeback victory for the hosts with his 104 on day three to set England, who won the opener, a daunting target.

(With AFP inputs)

Topics mentioned in this article

Rohit Sharma Ajit Agarkar Rahul Dravid India Cricket Team England Cricket Team India vs England, 2024 Cricket