BCCI chairman of selectors Chetan Sharma on Saturday provided an update on star all-rounder Hardik Pandya's potential comeback to the Indian team. The Sharma-led selection panel on Saturday announced India's Test and T20I squads for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka which gets underway from February 24. India will play three T20Is followed by two Tests against the visitors.

While Ravindra Jadeja was named in both the Test and the T20I squads after making his comeback from injury, Hardik remains unavailable for selection. The all-rounder had opted for a break from cricket post the T20 World Cup 2021, making himself unavailable for selection in the Indian team across formats.

He was not named in either the Test or the T20I squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka on Saturday but is expected to return soon. Providing an update on his return, chief selector Sharma said Pandya will be considered for selection immediately but only when he is 100 per cent fit.

He also said the selection panel cannot take a call on his comeback until they have proper confirmation of his fitness and bowling.&nbsp;

"Definitely, Hardik was a very important part of the Indian team. But now after the injuries, we'll say that until he isn't 100% fit, until we get that information that he's ready to go, is bowling and is match fit... when that comes in front of us then definitely he's an important player and we'll consider him immediately," Sharma said during a virtual press conference on Saturday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chief-selector-chetan-sharma-explains-reason-behind-dropping-pujara-rahane-from-indias-test-squad-454610">Chief selector Chetan Sharma explains reason behind dropping Pujara, Rahane from India's Test squad</a>

In Hardik's absence, the likes of Venkatesh Iyer and Deepak Hood have been used by India in T20Is for the all-rounder's spot. Deepak Chahar has also grown in stature with impressive performances with the bat and has proved to be a useful all-rounder for the team.

Hardik is likely to be seen in action next during the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) which is expected to get underway in the final week of March. He will be leading the Gujarat Titans in the upcoming season of the tournament.

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BCCI chairman of selectors Chetan Sharma on Saturday provided an update on star all-rounder Hardik Pandya's potential comeback to the Indian team. The Sharma-led selection panel on Saturday announced India's Test and T20I squads for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka which gets underway from February 24.

BCCI chairman of selectors Chetan Sharma on Saturday provided an update on star all-rounder Hardik Pandya's potential comeback to the Indian team. The Sharma-led selection panel on Saturday announced India's Test and T20I squads for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka which gets underway from February 24. India will play three T20Is followed by two Tests against the visitors. While Ravindra Jadeja was named in both the Test and the T20I squads after making his comeback from injury, Hardik remains unavailable for selection. The all-rounder had opted for a break from cricket post the T20 World Cup 2021, making himself unavailable for selection in the Indian team across formats. He was not named in either the Test or the T20I squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka on Saturday but is expected to return soon. Providing an update on his return, chief selector Sharma said Pandya will be considered for selection immediately but only when he is 100 per cent fit. He also said the selection panel cannot take a call on his comeback until they have proper confirmation of his fitness and bowling. "Definitely, Hardik was a very important part of the Indian team. But now after the injuries, we'll say that until he isn't 100% fit, until we get that information that he's ready to go, is bowling and is match fit... when that comes in front of us then definitely he's an important player and we'll consider him immediately," Sharma said during a virtual press conference on Saturday. Also Read: Chief selector Chetan Sharma explains reason behind dropping Pujara, Rahane from India's Test squad In Hardik's absence, the likes of Venkatesh Iyer and Deepak Hood have been used by India in T20Is for the all-rounder's spot. Deepak Chahar has also grown in stature with impressive performances with the bat and has proved to be a useful all-rounder for the team. Hardik is likely to be seen in action next during the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) which is expected to get underway in the final week of March. He will be leading the Gujarat Titans in the upcoming season of the tournament.

'We'll consider him immediately': Chetan Sharma provides update on Hardik Pandya's return to Indian team

The Chetan Sharma-led selection panel on Saturday (February 19) announced India's Test and T20I squads for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. India will play three T20Is followed by a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at home starting from February 24. While there weren't any surprises in the T20I squad, a number of senior players were dropped from the Test team.

Besides appointing Rohit Sharma as India's permanent skipper in Tests, the national selectors made a bold call by dropping the Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha from the squad. While Pujara and Rahane's poor form had been under the scanner for a while now, Ishant and Saha have had to deal with a lot of fitness issues and have been replaced by youngsters in the side.

Explaining the reason behind dropping Rahane and Pujara, who once used to be integral members of the Indian Test team, Chetan Sharma, the chairman of the selection panel said it was a decision taken after a lot of deliberation. Sharma said the selectors want to give chances to other players while Pujara and Rahane have been asked to perform in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-announces-india-squad-for-sl-t20is-kohli-pant-rested-bumrah-named-rohits-deputy-jadeja-returns-454589">BCCI announces India squad for SL T20Is: Kohli, Pant rested; Bumrah named Rohit's deputy, Jadeja returns</a>

"We have deliberated a lot on them. We decided not to consider them for the SL series. We asked them to play Ranji. For these two matches, we decided to give chance to others. They can still make a comeback. Ajinkya got a hundred in the Ranji match. It is a bad phase. It is very important for the selectors to manage them," Sharma said.

While many are expecting this to be the final nail in the coffin for all four senior players as far as their Test careers are concerned, Sharma revealed they can still make a comeback in the side on the basis of their performances in the Ranji Trophy.

"We have informed them that Ishant and Wriddhi will not be considered for the two-match Test series against SL. But the door is not closed to them. We have requested all four to play the Ranji Trophy," said Sharma.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-named-test-captain-as-bcci-announces-squad-for-sri-lanka-series-pujara-rahane-dropped-454583">Rohit named Test captain as BCCI announces squad for Sri Lanka series; Pujara, Rahane dropped</a>

Rahane, Pujara and Ishant are all playing for their respective state teams in the Ranji Trophy while Saha has been dropped from the Bengal team. Rahane recently impressed on his return to domestic cricket as he slammed a century for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy clash against Saurashtra earlier this week.

It was Rahane's first hundred after 417 days as his last ton came against Australia in the Melbourne Test in 2020. Rahane will be hopeful of regaining his form in the domestic tournament and reclaim his spot in the Indian Test team.

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The Chetan Sharma-led selection panel on Saturday (February 19) announced India's Test and T20I squads for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. India will play three T20Is followed by a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at home starting from February 24.

The Chetan Sharma-led selection panel on Saturday (February 19) announced India's Test and T20I squads for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. India will play three T20Is followed by a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at home starting from February 24. While there weren't any surprises in the T20I squad, a number of senior players were dropped from the Test team. Besides appointing Rohit Sharma as India's permanent skipper in Tests, the national selectors made a bold call by dropping the Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha from the squad. While Pujara and Rahane's poor form had been under the scanner for a while now, Ishant and Saha have had to deal with a lot of fitness issues and have been replaced by youngsters in the side. Explaining the reason behind dropping Rahane and Pujara, who once used to be integral members of the Indian Test team, Chetan Sharma, the chairman of the selection panel said it was a decision taken after a lot of deliberation. Sharma said the selectors want to give chances to other players while Pujara and Rahane have been asked to perform in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. Also Read: BCCI announces India squad for SL T20Is: Kohli, Pant rested; Bumrah named Rohit's deputy, Jadeja returns "We have deliberated a lot on them. We decided not to consider them for the SL series. We asked them to play Ranji. For these two matches, we decided to give chance to others. They can still make a comeback. Ajinkya got a hundred in the Ranji match. It is a bad phase. It is very important for the selectors to manage them," Sharma said. While many are expecting this to be the final nail in the coffin for all four senior players as far as their Test careers are concerned, Sharma revealed they can still make a comeback in the side on the basis of their performances in the Ranji Trophy. "We have informed them that Ishant and Wriddhi will not be considered for the two-match Test series against SL. But the door is not closed to them. We have requested all four to play the Ranji Trophy," said Sharma. Also Read: Rohit named Test captain as BCCI announces squad for Sri Lanka series; Pujara, Rahane dropped Rahane, Pujara and Ishant are all playing for their respective state teams in the Ranji Trophy while Saha has been dropped from the Bengal team. Rahane recently impressed on his return to domestic cricket as he slammed a century for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy clash against Saurashtra earlier this week. It was Rahane's first hundred after 417 days as his last ton came against Australia in the Melbourne Test in 2020. Rahane will be hopeful of regaining his form in the domestic tournament and reclaim his spot in the Indian Test team.

Chief selector Chetan Sharma explains reason behind dropping Pujara, Rahane from India's Test squad

The BCCI announced 18-member ODI and T20I squads for Team India's white-ball series versus Kieron Pollard-led West Indies on Wednesday (January 26). As it was reported earlier that Rohit Sharma had passed the fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) Bengaluru, Hitman has returned to the squad after missing the entire South Africa tour. Rohit was appointed as the white-ball captain in early December 2021, however, he missed leading the side in the three ODIs in South Africa due to hamstring injury. Nonetheless, he has returned as Rohit will gear up to play his first ODI series since early 2021.

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, however, remained unfit and couldn't return&nbsp;to the line-up, failing to recovering from his knee injury.&nbsp;Selectors didn't include Hardik Panya as well, in any of the squads, as they aren't fully confident of his ability to deliver as an all-rounder due to fitness concerns. R Ashwin, meanwhile, is not in any squads&nbsp;for being unavailable for selection and the offie is undergoing treatment. Bhuvneshwar Kumar held onto his T20I spot&nbsp;but isn't in the scheme of things for ODIs.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-is-one-of-the-sharpest-cricket-minds-greg-chappell-heaps-praise-on-former-indian-captain-447839">MS Dhoni is one of the sharpest cricket minds: Greg Chappell heaps praise on former Indian captain</a>

In addition, there are some big updates with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami being rested. Limited-overs vice-captain KL Rahul will be available from the second ODI onwards whereas spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel will feature only in the T20Is.

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Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami have been rested from the series. 
KL Rahul will be available from 2nd ODI onwards. 
R Jadeja is undergoing his final stage of recovery post his knee injury and will not be available for the ODIs and T20Is. 
Axar Patel will be available for the T20Is.
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1486385548063555584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The biggest talking point is the addition of some domestic and IPL star players such as Deepak Hooda and Ravi Bishnoi. Hooda, Harshal Patel are&nbsp;named in the ODI and T20I squad, respectively,&nbsp;whereas Bishnoi is part of both ODIs and T20Is. Kuldeep Yadav also makes a return to the ODI setup. Pacers Md Siraj and&nbsp;Avesh Khan&nbsp;have been backed for both the white-balls series whereas Prasidh Krishna is part of the 50-over squad.&nbsp;Nonetheless, there was no room for Himachal's star Rishi Dhawan, who has had a stellar run in the domestic circuit of late.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/good-news-for-team-india-fans-rohit-sharma-clears-fitness-test-ahead-of-west-indies-series-report-447797">Good news for Team India fans! Rohit Sharma clears fitness test ahead of West Indies series: Report</a>

India will lock horns with West Indies in three ODIs and equal number of T20Is in early February,&nbsp;starting on the 6th. The ODIs will be held in Ahmedabad and the T20Is will take place in Kolkata. The BCCI had recently revised the schedule, to not have the ODIs clash with the IPL 2022 mega auction, and also narrowed down the total venues from six to two cities due to Covid-19 crisis.

Squad for WI series:

ODI squad:&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (Capt), KL Rahul (vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), D Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Y Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan

T20I squad: Rohit Sharma(Capt),KL Rahul (vc),Ishan Kishan,Virat Kohli,Shreyas Iyer,Surya Kumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk),Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Mohd. Siraj, Bhuvneshwar, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel

The BCCI announced 18-member ODI and T20I squads for Team India's white-ball series versus Kieron Pollard-led West Indies on Wednesday (January 26). As it was reported earlier that Rohit Sharma had passed the fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) Bengaluru, Hitman has returned to the squad after missing the entire South Africa tour.

The BCCI announced 18-member ODI and T20I squads for Team India's white-ball series versus Kieron Pollard-led West Indies on Wednesday (January 26). As it was reported earlier that Rohit Sharma had passed the fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) Bengaluru, Hitman has returned to the squad after missing the entire South Africa tour. Rohit was appointed as the white-ball captain in early December 2021, however, he missed leading the side in the three ODIs in South Africa due to hamstring injury. Nonetheless, he has returned as Rohit will gear up to play his first ODI series since early 2021. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, however, remained unfit and couldn't return to the line-up, failing to recovering from his knee injury. Selectors didn't include Hardik Panya as well, in any of the squads, as they aren't fully confident of his ability to deliver as an all-rounder due to fitness concerns. R Ashwin, meanwhile, is not in any squads for being unavailable for selection and the offie is undergoing treatment. Bhuvneshwar Kumar held onto his T20I spot but isn't in the scheme of things for ODIs. ALSO READ | MS Dhoni is one of the sharpest cricket minds: Greg Chappell heaps praise on former Indian captain In addition, there are some big updates with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami being rested. Limited-overs vice-captain KL Rahul will be available from the second ODI onwards whereas spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel will feature only in the T20Is. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami have been rested from the series. KL Rahul will be available from 2nd ODI onwards. R Jadeja is undergoing his final stage of recovery post his knee injury and will not be available for the ODIs and T20Is. Axar Patel will be available for the T20Is. — BCCI (@BCCI) January 26, 2022 × The biggest talking point is the addition of some domestic and IPL star players such as Deepak Hooda and Ravi Bishnoi. Hooda, Harshal Patel are named in the ODI and T20I squad, respectively, whereas Bishnoi is part of both ODIs and T20Is. Kuldeep Yadav also makes a return to the ODI setup. Pacers Md Siraj and Avesh Khan have been backed for both the white-balls series whereas Prasidh Krishna is part of the 50-over squad. Nonetheless, there was no room for Himachal's star Rishi Dhawan, who has had a stellar run in the domestic circuit of late. ALSO READ | Good news for Team India fans! Rohit Sharma clears fitness test ahead of West Indies series: Report India will lock horns with West Indies in three ODIs and equal number of T20Is in early February, starting on the 6th. The ODIs will be held in Ahmedabad and the T20Is will take place in Kolkata. The BCCI had recently revised the schedule, to not have the ODIs clash with the IPL 2022 mega auction, and also narrowed down the total venues from six to two cities due to Covid-19 crisis. Squad for WI series: ODI squad: Rohit Sharma (Capt), KL Rahul (vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), D Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Y Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan T20I squad: Rohit Sharma(Capt),KL Rahul (vc),Ishan Kishan,Virat Kohli,Shreyas Iyer,Surya Kumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk),Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Mohd. Siraj, Bhuvneshwar, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel

BCCI announces Rohit-led India squad for WI series; Jasprit Bumrah, Md Shami rested, Jadeja misses out

A lot has transpired in Indian cricket, especially in the senior men's team in the last four months.&nbsp;In mid-September 2021, Virat Kohli dropped a bomb on social media by announcing his resignation as the T20I captain post the World Cup, in the UAE.

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🇮🇳 ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/Ds7okjhj9J">pic.twitter.com/Ds7okjhj9J</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1438478585518456832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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After India's colossal failure in the showpiece event, a lot of changes were expected. However, none of the connoisseurs of the game would have foreseen the plethora of changes that came into picture since then.&nbsp;

While Rohit Sharma succeeded Kohli as the T20I captain, being rewarded for his envious record as IPL captain, the latter remained the ODI and Test captain (he himself wanted to carry on as skipper in the longer formats as per his T20I captaincy resignation tweet). Nonetheless, a twist in the tale unfolded just before India boarded the flight for the ongoing South Africa trip.&nbsp;

Last year on December 8, BCCI announced Rohit as the limited-overs captain altogether, sacking Kohli from the top job in the 50-over format. The announcement was made courtesy a two-line Twitter post from the board's official handle:

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The All-India Senior Selection Committee also decided to name Mr Rohit Sharma as the Captain of the ODI &amp; T20I teams going forward.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a> <a href="https://t.co/hcg92sPtCa">pic.twitter.com/hcg92sPtCa</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1468577752953483264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A thank you post for outgoing captain Kohli followed a day later, i.e. on December 9.&nbsp;

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A leader who led the side with grit, passion &amp; determination. 🇮🇳🔝 
 
Thank you Captain <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>!👏👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/gz7r6KCuWF">pic.twitter.com/gz7r6KCuWF</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1468919777120829441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The lack of prior communication -- in terms of a proper official statement by the BCCI -- and the late Twitter post irked many Indian cricket fans, who&nbsp;remained baffled with the sudden turn of events. What was cooking?&nbsp;

All eyes, thus, shifted to BCCI's customary press conference before Team India's departure for the rainbow nation. On December 15, Kohli spearheaded the presser and dropped few more bombs with his answers in an affirmative tone.&nbsp;

While BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly had already conveyed that the board officials and national selectors had requested Kohli to remain the T20I captain,&nbsp;the star Indian batter contradicted from the claims. "I had told BCCI that I want to quit T20I captaincy. I wasn't told to reconsider it. It was received well, without any hesitation; I was told it's a progressive step and it's in the right direction. I had told them that I want to continue ODI and Test captaincy unless the office bearers think otherwise. I had given that option to them," Kohli had stated.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-president-ganguly-wanted-to-issue-showcause-notice-to-kohli-following-his-explosive-presser-report-446249">BCCI President Ganguly wanted to issue showcause notice to Kohli following his explosive presser - Report</a>

In addition, Kohli made it clear that he had no prior communication with the national selectors regarding the ODI captaincy switch. He revealed that he came to know about the decision only 90 minutes prior to the official announcement.&nbsp;

Thus, this opened a pandora of box. Kohli's explosive presser exposed the dire straits between the board, selectors and the superstar cricketer.

In response to the presser, Ganguly made it clear that the board will not make any official statement due to ongoing&nbsp;SA tour. "No statements, no press conference. We will deal with it, leave it to (the) BCCI," Ganguly told local mediapersons after the presser.

Nonetheless, chief selector Chetan Sharma made heads turn, stating that Kohli was asked by officials and selectors to remain T20I captain.&nbsp; "When meeting started, it was a surprise for everybody. If the World T20 is round the corner and you hear something like this, what will be your reaction? Everyone present in that meeting had told him that he should rethink his decision (to quit T20 captaincy) and we can talk about it after the World Cup. All selectors felt at that time that this can affect us in the World Cup. It was told to Virat for sake of Indian cricket, please continue as the captain and it was told by everybody present in the meeting. The convenors were there, board officials were there. Sabhi ne bola hai (everyone told him). Who won’t tell? If this news comes to you, you are in a shock. But since we had a World T20 to play, we never wanted it to affect team," the former India pacer told on December 31.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/one-match-makes-virat-kohli-turned-down-bccis-offer-to-play-farewell-test-as-captain-report-445316">'One match makes...': Virat Kohli turned down BCCI's offer to play farewell Test as captain - Report</a>

When the Indian cricket fans were busy trying to make sense of the mysterious turn of events, Kohli dropped another bomb -- probably throwing his last roll of the&nbsp;dice&nbsp;-- by announcing his resignation as the Test captain post India's 2-1 series loss to SA in the African nation.&nbsp;

On January 15, Kohli tweeted saying, "Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test captain of India, it’s now. It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now."

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🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/huBL6zZ7fZ">pic.twitter.com/huBL6zZ7fZ</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1482340422987169794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Following Kohli's resignation, ending his Team India captaincy tenure altogether, many reactions came in a flash. Needless to say, Ganguly's response was most awaited. Few hours after Kohli's announcement, Ganguly wrote, "Under Virat's leadership Indian cricket has made rapid strides in all formats of the game... his decision is a personal one and bcci respects it immensely... he will be an important member to take this team to newer heights in the future. A great player. well done... @BCCI @imVkohli."

A battle with no winner but plenty of losers!

So far, there is total chaos surrounding Indian cricket. It reminds the 90s fans of the infamous Greg Chappell-era.&nbsp;

As an Indian cricket loyalist, the cracks became evident on the day BCCI made the ODI captaincy switch. The lack of communication and late tribute for Kohli -- yes, even a timely Twitter post for some big announcements means a lot in the social media-era -- triggered the collapse.&nbsp;

Ganguly statement prior to Kohli's presser was entirely uncalled for (similarly, the latter's T20I captaincy resignation announcement can also be termed 'untimely'; i.e. a month before the World Cup). Being the BCCI chief, he could've shifted the query towards the national selectors. After all, it was their unanimous choice to sack Kohli and have one white-ball captain.

Former India cricketer and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar had lashed out at the BCCI chief and told Khaleej Times, "It’s very unfortunate, the whole thing. I think it should have been handled more professionally by the cricket board. The thing is that Ganguly had no business to speak on behalf of the selection committee. Ganguly is the president of BCCI. Any issue about selection or captaincy, it’s the chairman of the selection committee who should speak."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-had-no-pressure-from-the-board-selectors-bcci-treasurer-reacts-to-kohli-leaving-test-captaincy-445254">Virat had no pressure from the board, selectors: BCCI treasurer reacts to Kohli leaving Test captaincy</a>

Further, Kohli's presser fanned the fire. Chetan Sharma's statements led to more questions than answers. The 33-year-old Kohli's Test resignation -- a format where he excelled as captain -- raised more eyebrows; acting as a confirmation to many Indian cricket fans that the superstar batter chose to side away from all the negativity and war of words.&nbsp;

In the ongoing India-SA ODIs, Kohli has scores of 51 and 0 so far. While he didn't dominate entirely in the first outing, he fell for a five-ball duck in the second and penultimate ODI. Fans are already concerned that the BCCI row has taken a lot out of Kohli, who has clearly lacked intensity on the field.&nbsp;

It is NOT looking good

Irrespective of how things have unfolded, Kohli's presence, intensity and contribution remain&nbsp;of utmost importance to Team India across formats.

Thus, one wishes that the tug of war between Kohli and BCCI is over. For now, it is taking a lot out of a talismanic batter and also putting BCCI under the scanner. For the unversed, on&nbsp;Thursday (January 20), reports suggested&nbsp;that Ganguly prevented issuing a show cause notice to Kohli for his explosive presser.&nbsp;A source close to the development was quoted as saying by India Ahead News, "And the board president was all for issuing a show cause notice to Kohli." Hence, the writing is clearly on the wall as the recipe being cooked is surely nothing less than a disaster.&nbsp;

If all this continues, India will lose many battles&nbsp;even before taking&nbsp;on oppositions on the field. People following the India-SA series have already concluded that the national side is looking clueless with each passing game in the African nation.

A lot has transpired in Indian cricket, especially in the senior men's team in the last four months. In mid-September 2021, Virat Kohli dropped a bomb on social media by announcing his resignation as the T20I captain post the World Cup, in the UAE.

A lot has transpired in Indian cricket, especially in the senior men's team in the last four months. In mid-September 2021, Virat Kohli dropped a bomb on social media by announcing his resignation as the T20I captain post the World Cup, in the UAE. 🇮🇳 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ds7okjhj9J — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 16, 2021 × After India's colossal failure in the showpiece event, a lot of changes were expected. However, none of the connoisseurs of the game would have foreseen the plethora of changes that came into picture since then. While Rohit Sharma succeeded Kohli as the T20I captain, being rewarded for his envious record as IPL captain, the latter remained the ODI and Test captain (he himself wanted to carry on as skipper in the longer formats as per his T20I captaincy resignation tweet). Nonetheless, a twist in the tale unfolded just before India boarded the flight for the ongoing South Africa trip. Last year on December 8, BCCI announced Rohit as the limited-overs captain altogether, sacking Kohli from the top job in the 50-over format. The announcement was made courtesy a two-line Twitter post from the board's official handle: The All-India Senior Selection Committee also decided to name Mr Rohit Sharma as the Captain of the ODI & T20I teams going forward.#TeamIndia | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/hcg92sPtCa — BCCI (@BCCI) December 8, 2021 × A thank you post for outgoing captain Kohli followed a day later, i.e. on December 9. A leader who led the side with grit, passion & determination. 🇮🇳🔝 Thank you Captain @imVkohli!👏👏#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/gz7r6KCuWF — BCCI (@BCCI) December 9, 2021 × The lack of prior communication -- in terms of a proper official statement by the BCCI -- and the late Twitter post irked many Indian cricket fans, who remained baffled with the sudden turn of events. What was cooking? All eyes, thus, shifted to BCCI's customary press conference before Team India's departure for the rainbow nation. On December 15, Kohli spearheaded the presser and dropped few more bombs with his answers in an affirmative tone. While BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly had already conveyed that the board officials and national selectors had requested Kohli to remain the T20I captain, the star Indian batter contradicted from the claims. "I had told BCCI that I want to quit T20I captaincy. I wasn't told to reconsider it. It was received well, without any hesitation; I was told it's a progressive step and it's in the right direction. I had told them that I want to continue ODI and Test captaincy unless the office bearers think otherwise. I had given that option to them," Kohli had stated. ALSO READ | BCCI President Ganguly wanted to issue showcause notice to Kohli following his explosive presser - Report In addition, Kohli made it clear that he had no prior communication with the national selectors regarding the ODI captaincy switch. He revealed that he came to know about the decision only 90 minutes prior to the official announcement. Thus, this opened a pandora of box. Kohli's explosive presser exposed the dire straits between the board, selectors and the superstar cricketer. In response to the presser, Ganguly made it clear that the board will not make any official statement due to ongoing SA tour. "No statements, no press conference. We will deal with it, leave it to (the) BCCI," Ganguly told local mediapersons after the presser. Nonetheless, chief selector Chetan Sharma made heads turn, stating that Kohli was asked by officials and selectors to remain T20I captain. "When meeting started, it was a surprise for everybody. If the World T20 is round the corner and you hear something like this, what will be your reaction? Everyone present in that meeting had told him that he should rethink his decision (to quit T20 captaincy) and we can talk about it after the World Cup. All selectors felt at that time that this can affect us in the World Cup. It was told to Virat for sake of Indian cricket, please continue as the captain and it was told by everybody present in the meeting. The convenors were there, board officials were there. Sabhi ne bola hai (everyone told him). Who won’t tell? If this news comes to you, you are in a shock. But since we had a World T20 to play, we never wanted it to affect team," the former India pacer told on December 31. ALSO READ | 'One match makes...': Virat Kohli turned down BCCI's offer to play farewell Test as captain - Report When the Indian cricket fans were busy trying to make sense of the mysterious turn of events, Kohli dropped another bomb -- probably throwing his last roll of the dice -- by announcing his resignation as the Test captain post India's 2-1 series loss to SA in the African nation. On January 15, Kohli tweeted saying, "Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test captain of India, it’s now. It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now." 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/huBL6zZ7fZ — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 15, 2022 × Following Kohli's resignation, ending his Team India captaincy tenure altogether, many reactions came in a flash. Needless to say, Ganguly's response was most awaited. Few hours after Kohli's announcement, Ganguly wrote, "Under Virat's leadership Indian cricket has made rapid strides in all formats of the game... his decision is a personal one and bcci respects it immensely... he will be an important member to take this team to newer heights in the future. A great player. well done... @BCCI @imVkohli." A battle with no winner but plenty of losers! So far, there is total chaos surrounding Indian cricket. It reminds the 90s fans of the infamous Greg Chappell-era. As an Indian cricket loyalist, the cracks became evident on the day BCCI made the ODI captaincy switch. The lack of communication and late tribute for Kohli -- yes, even a timely Twitter post for some big announcements means a lot in the social media-era -- triggered the collapse. Ganguly statement prior to Kohli's presser was entirely uncalled for (similarly, the latter's T20I captaincy resignation announcement can also be termed 'untimely'; i.e. a month before the World Cup). Being the BCCI chief, he could've shifted the query towards the national selectors. After all, it was their unanimous choice to sack Kohli and have one white-ball captain. Former India cricketer and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar had lashed out at the BCCI chief and told Khaleej Times, "It’s very unfortunate, the whole thing. I think it should have been handled more professionally by the cricket board. The thing is that Ganguly had no business to speak on behalf of the selection committee. Ganguly is the president of BCCI. Any issue about selection or captaincy, it’s the chairman of the selection committee who should speak." ALSO READ | Virat had no pressure from the board, selectors: BCCI treasurer reacts to Kohli leaving Test captaincy Further, Kohli's presser fanned the fire. Chetan Sharma's statements led to more questions than answers. The 33-year-old Kohli's Test resignation -- a format where he excelled as captain -- raised more eyebrows; acting as a confirmation to many Indian cricket fans that the superstar batter chose to side away from all the negativity and war of words. In the ongoing India-SA ODIs, Kohli has scores of 51 and 0 so far. While he didn't dominate entirely in the first outing, he fell for a five-ball duck in the second and penultimate ODI. Fans are already concerned that the BCCI row has taken a lot out of Kohli, who has clearly lacked intensity on the field. It is NOT looking good Irrespective of how things have unfolded, Kohli's presence, intensity and contribution remain of utmost importance to Team India across formats. Thus, one wishes that the tug of war between Kohli and BCCI is over. For now, it is taking a lot out of a talismanic batter and also putting BCCI under the scanner. For the unversed, on Thursday (January 20), reports suggested that Ganguly prevented issuing a show cause notice to Kohli for his explosive presser. A source close to the development was quoted as saying by India Ahead News, "And the board president was all for issuing a show cause notice to Kohli." Hence, the writing is clearly on the wall as the recipe being cooked is surely nothing less than a disaster. If all this continues, India will lose many battles even before taking on oppositions on the field. People following the India-SA series have already concluded that the national side is looking clueless with each passing game in the African nation.

Virat Kohli vs BCCI: Is there any real winner in this tussle?

On Friday (December 31), the chairman of the selection committee Chetan Sharma addressed a press conference for the first time ever since taking over the top post. In the PC, Chetan opened up on several aspects pertaining to Indian cricket in recent times.

The most talked-about issue in Indian cricket, in recent times, has been the contradictory claims made by BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli regarding the latter's decision of quitting as T20I captain and the ODI captaincy switch. Hence, the former cricketer opened up on the Kohli vs BCCI row and said that the board and selectors had spoken to Kohli to reconsider his decision of resigning as the T20I skipper.

Thus, the controversy hasn't ended whereas it has become more complex given Chetan Sharma's statement, supporting Ganguly against Kohli. For the unversed, the 33-year-old Kohli had denied all claims of being asked to reconsider his decision. Amid all this, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra feels the story hasn't ended and one can expect some response from Kohli in the near future.

In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra said: "A little more fuel has been added to the fire which was already there because the clarification has come from the BCCI via Chetan Sharma, who is the chairman of selectors."

"Chetan Sharma has issued a clarification that we all had asked Virat not to leave the T20I captaincy, that its timing is not correct; there will be an impact on the World Cup but the captain did not agree," he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sometimes-i-read-reports-and-laugh-chetan-sharma-reacts-to-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-rift-rumours-441627">Sometimes I read reports and laugh: Chetan Sharma reacts to Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma rift rumours</a>

He further asserted, "Everyone who was there in the selection committee meeting - selectors, BCCI officials, convenor - all present, requested Virat Kohli to not step down. This is Chetan Sharma's quote, but the captain said he wanted to step down. Captain had said no one had asked him anything, and everyone said it is a very progressive step."

"There should be no rumours and sources in 2022 although, after Chetan Sharma's statement, the shots might have been fired and maybe there will be reciprocation from Virat Kohli's side as well because till now that is what is happening - one person says something and the other refutes. It's not really nice, but then if it happens, don't be surprised."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/odi-captaincy-row-kl-rahul-as-future-captain-major-talking-points-from-chetan-sharmas-press-conference-441599">ODI captaincy row, KL Rahul as future captain: Major talking points from Chetan Sharma's press conference</a>

At present, Kohli will be focused in leading India to their maiden Test series triumph on South African soil as the national side took a 1-0 lead, versus the Proteas, in the three-match series opener at Centurion on December 30. The second Test will get underway on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.&nbsp;

Kohli will like to silence his critics in style by leading India to a Test series win in SA and only then comment on the captaincy row, if he further has to.

On Friday (December 31), the chairman of the selection committee Chetan Sharma addressed a press conference for the first time ever since taking over the top post.

On Friday (December 31), the chairman of the selection committee Chetan Sharma addressed a press conference for the first time ever since taking over the top post. In the PC, Chetan opened up on several aspects pertaining to Indian cricket in recent times. The most talked-about issue in Indian cricket, in recent times, has been the contradictory claims made by BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli regarding the latter's decision of quitting as T20I captain and the ODI captaincy switch. Hence, the former cricketer opened up on the Kohli vs BCCI row and said that the board and selectors had spoken to Kohli to reconsider his decision of resigning as the T20I skipper. Thus, the controversy hasn't ended whereas it has become more complex given Chetan Sharma's statement, supporting Ganguly against Kohli. For the unversed, the 33-year-old Kohli had denied all claims of being asked to reconsider his decision. Amid all this, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra feels the story hasn't ended and one can expect some response from Kohli in the near future. In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra said: "A little more fuel has been added to the fire which was already there because the clarification has come from the BCCI via Chetan Sharma, who is the chairman of selectors." "Chetan Sharma has issued a clarification that we all had asked Virat not to leave the T20I captaincy, that its timing is not correct; there will be an impact on the World Cup but the captain did not agree," he added. ALSO READ | Sometimes I read reports and laugh: Chetan Sharma reacts to Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma rift rumours He further asserted, "Everyone who was there in the selection committee meeting - selectors, BCCI officials, convenor - all present, requested Virat Kohli to not step down. This is Chetan Sharma's quote, but the captain said he wanted to step down. Captain had said no one had asked him anything, and everyone said it is a very progressive step." "There should be no rumours and sources in 2022 although, after Chetan Sharma's statement, the shots might have been fired and maybe there will be reciprocation from Virat Kohli's side as well because till now that is what is happening - one person says something and the other refutes. It's not really nice, but then if it happens, don't be surprised." ALSO READ | ODI captaincy row, KL Rahul as future captain: Major talking points from Chetan Sharma's press conference At present, Kohli will be focused in leading India to their maiden Test series triumph on South African soil as the national side took a 1-0 lead, versus the Proteas, in the three-match series opener at Centurion on December 30. The second Test will get underway on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. Kohli will like to silence his critics in style by leading India to a Test series win in SA and only then comment on the captaincy row, if he further has to.

There will be reciprocation from Virat Kohli's side, predicts Aakash Chopra post Chetan Sharma's PC

Chetan Sharma,&nbsp;chairman of BCCI's All-India Senior Selection Committee, spoke at length on various aspects pertaining to Indian cricket after the selectors announced the 18-man squad for India's upcoming three ODIs versus South Africa, starting on January 19.&nbsp;

After the squad got announced, which saw KL Rahul become the captain in absence of injured limited-overs skipper Rohit Sharma, Chetan Sharma --&nbsp;the former cricketer-turned-chairman of selection committee -- reacted to the rift rumours between Rohit and Virat Kohli. For the unversed, the rift rumours had once again resurfaced in Indian cricket post Rohit replacing Kohli as the limited-overs captain in early December, 2021.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/odi-captaincy-row-kl-rahul-as-future-captain-major-talking-points-from-chetan-sharmas-press-conference-441599">ODI captaincy row, KL Rahul as future captain: Major talking points from Chetan Sharma's press conference</a>

On being asked in a press conference, if the BCCI will look to arrange a meeting between Rohit and Kohli to sort out&nbsp;things, Chetan&nbsp;replied, "but about what? Things are absolutely fine. That's why I was saying don't go by speculations. We're all cricketers first and selectors later. There is nothing between them."&nbsp;

The chief selector further claimed he laughs at reports of a rift between the two superstar cricketers and asserted, "Sometimes I read reports about them and laugh. I'm telling you there is such good planning between them about the future. Things are fantastic. If you were in my place, you would have enjoyed watching how these guys are working together as a team and family and a unit. It's really saddening when people make up things like that. So please, leave controversies behind in 2021. Let's talk about how to make them the best team."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-named-captain-for-south-africa-odis-as-rohit-sharma-ruled-out-due-to-hamstring-injury-441482">KL Rahul named captain for South Africa ODIs as Rohit Sharma ruled out due to hamstring injury</a>

On December 15, 2021, Kohli had addressed the media in a press conference before India's departure to South Africa and had reacted to the baseless rift rumours. Back then, he had stated, "Between Rohit and I, there is no problem at all. Honestly, over the last 2, 2 and half years, I have been clarifying this. I am tired of doing it. Again and again, the same question is being asked of me. I will tell you one thing with a guarantee that my actions and my communications will never bring down the team till the time I play cricket."

At present, Kohli-led Indian Test team is on the cusp of winning their first-ever series on African soil after gaining a 1-0 lead in the three Tests versus the Proteas following the Centurion Test. If India win one of the two remaining Tests, they will achieve their maiden Test series triumph in the rainbow nation.&nbsp;

The ODIs will kick off on January 19 at Paarl.&nbsp;

Chetan Sharma, chairman of BCCI's All-India Senior Selection Committee, spoke at length on various aspects pertaining to Indian cricket after the selectors announced the 18-man squad for India's upcoming three ODIs versus South Africa, starting on January 19.

Chetan Sharma, chairman of BCCI's All-India Senior Selection Committee, spoke at length on various aspects pertaining to Indian cricket after the selectors announced the 18-man squad for India's upcoming three ODIs versus South Africa, starting on January 19. After the squad got announced, which saw KL Rahul become the captain in absence of injured limited-overs skipper Rohit Sharma, Chetan Sharma -- the former cricketer-turned-chairman of selection committee -- reacted to the rift rumours between Rohit and Virat Kohli. For the unversed, the rift rumours had once again resurfaced in Indian cricket post Rohit replacing Kohli as the limited-overs captain in early December, 2021. ALSO READ | ODI captaincy row, KL Rahul as future captain: Major talking points from Chetan Sharma's press conference On being asked in a press conference, if the BCCI will look to arrange a meeting between Rohit and Kohli to sort out things, Chetan replied, "but about what? Things are absolutely fine. That's why I was saying don't go by speculations. We're all cricketers first and selectors later. There is nothing between them." The chief selector further claimed he laughs at reports of a rift between the two superstar cricketers and asserted, "Sometimes I read reports about them and laugh. I'm telling you there is such good planning between them about the future. Things are fantastic. If you were in my place, you would have enjoyed watching how these guys are working together as a team and family and a unit. It's really saddening when people make up things like that. So please, leave controversies behind in 2021. Let's talk about how to make them the best team." ALSO READ | KL Rahul named captain for South Africa ODIs as Rohit Sharma ruled out due to hamstring injury On December 15, 2021, Kohli had addressed the media in a press conference before India's departure to South Africa and had reacted to the baseless rift rumours. Back then, he had stated, "Between Rohit and I, there is no problem at all. Honestly, over the last 2, 2 and half years, I have been clarifying this. I am tired of doing it. Again and again, the same question is being asked of me. I will tell you one thing with a guarantee that my actions and my communications will never bring down the team till the time I play cricket." At present, Kohli-led Indian Test team is on the cusp of winning their first-ever series on African soil after gaining a 1-0 lead in the three Tests versus the Proteas following the Centurion Test. If India win one of the two remaining Tests, they will achieve their maiden Test series triumph in the rainbow nation. The ODIs will kick off on January 19 at Paarl.

Sometimes I read reports and laugh: Chetan Sharma reacts to Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma rift rumours

Team India's 18-man squad for the upcoming South Africa ODIs, in the African nation, was announced on December 31 (Friday), 2021. While the squad announcement was delayed reportedly to examine Rohit Sharma's fitness, the 18-member squad got finally revealed sans limited-overs skipper Rohit.&nbsp;

Rohit has been ruled out due to hamstring injury as his deputy KL Rahul will lead the Men in Blue in the three ODIs against SA, starting on January 19 at Paarl. After the squad announcement, BCCI's All-India Senior Selection Committee's chairman and former player Chetan Sharma attended his first-ever press conference since taking over the top post.

In the PC, Sharma addressed some important topics pertaining in Indian cricket at present, i.e. the ODI captaincy row, opened up on the prospects of having KL Rahul as the future leader and more.

On KL Rahul's rise

Chetan said at the PC, "We are looking to groom KL Rahul and we have confidence in him. He has proved his leadership qualities. KL is the best one who can handle the side. He is an all-format player and he has got good experience of captaincy... this is what all selectors think."

For the unversed, Rahul has captained Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the last two IPL seasons and is touted to be Lucknow franchise's skipper in IPL 2022.

On Ganguly vs Kohli statements

The biggest issue in Indian cricket right now is the contradictory statements made by BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly and former limited-overs captain Kohli post the latter's T20I captaincy resignation and sacking as ODI skipper.

While Ganguly claimed that BCCI had asked Kohli to reconsider his decision to quit as T20I captain, the 33-year-old Kohli denied all such claims in a presser before the SA tour. Hence, Chetan Sharma shared his take on the matter and said, "When meeting started, it was a surprise for everybody. If the World T20 is round the corner and you hear something like this, what will be your reaction? Everyone present in that meeting had told him that he should rethink his decision (to quit T20 captaincy) and we can talk about it after the World Cup. All selectors felt at that time that this can affect us in the World Cup. It was told to Virat for sake of Indian cricket, please continue as the captain and it was told by everybody present in the meeting. The convenors were there, board officials were there. Sabhi ne bola hai (everyone told him). Who won’t tell? If this news comes to you, you are in a shock. But since we had a World T20 to play, we never wanted it to affect team."

"He (Kohli) had his plans and we respect him. If he has taken the decision, and this is what he said in the media also, that from WTC he had been thinking about it... everyone told him to think about it and we thought let’s talk after the World Cup," added the former cricketer.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/packed-home-season-asia-cup-t20-wc-a-glance-at-kohli-rohit-starrer-indias-cricketing-calendar-for-2022-441557">Packed home season, Asia Cup, T20 WC: A glance at Kohli, Rohit-starrer India's cricketing calendar for 2022</a>

On Kohli's sacking as ODI captain

On December 8, BCCI removed Kohli as the ODI skipper, appointing Rohit as the white-ball skipper. This also led to varied responses from all corners, especially as it came only in the form of a tweet from the BCCI and wasn't followed by an official statement or presser. At his presser on December 15, Kohli had admitted that he agreed on the reason given for his sacking, however, revealed that he came to know about the decision only sometime before the official announcement was made.

In this regard, Sharma told, "It was Virat’s decision and nobody actually told him to quit the [T20I] captaincy. But once he quit T20 captaincy, obviously the selectors have to think what our decision is and obviously all selectors think it is one captain for white-ball formats, it becomes easy for selectors to plan things. We informed him regarding this. The 50 overs decision was the selectors’ and T20 captaincy was his decision."

He further asserted, "As soon as selection committee came to the point and discussed it, I immediately called up Virat that afternoon. There was a Test selection coming up. We didn’t want to inform in that selection meeting and that’s why I called him when our meeting was over. And this is what selectors think and there will be one white-ball captain, there were a couple of questions and we had good conversations. He (Kohli) agreed on that. What we discuss I can’t disclose it here and we had a good chat. Most important thing is, Virat is a very important part of Indian cricket. We want him to play for India and keep getting runs, because the team revolves around it."

"When it comes to planning, our thought process was we need one white-ball captain and one red-ball captain. He came at (Test selection) meeting around 5:30 pm and we had informed him before that. It was hard decision for us and we have to take some hard decisions, that’s what we are here for. Same for selection of playing XI. Sometimes those are need of the hour. He is going to be a very important for years to come," the 55-year old added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-named-captain-for-south-africa-odis-as-rohit-sharma-ruled-out-due-to-hamstring-injury-441482">KL Rahul named captain for South Africa ODIs as Rohit Sharma ruled out due to hamstring injury</a>

Chetan Sharma signed off by saying, "The main goal for everybody is the same: to keep India on top. We don’t want controversies. That is the reason we don’t come out. Our job is to select the team, make sure the best guy goes and plays for the country. When these controversies happen, it makes us sad as cricketers. I was joking that Ajaz [Patel] has been dropped by New Zealand after taking ten wickets. Imagine if we had done something similar, what would have happened to us," he said.

At present, India is involved in a three-match Test series versus South Africa, in the rainbow nation. The Kohli-led Test side won the series opener, at Centurion, by 113 runs and are on the cusp of winning their first-ever Test series in the African nation if they win at least one of the remaining two Tests.&nbsp;

The Tests will be followed by three ODIs, which will give Rahul the chance to lead India for the first time in a full series.&nbsp;

Team India's 18-man squad for the upcoming South Africa ODIs, in the African nation, was announced on December 31 (Friday), 2021. While the squad announcement was delayed reportedly to examine Rohit Sharma's fitness, the 18-member squad got finally revealed sans limited-overs skipper Rohit.

Team India's 18-man squad for the upcoming South Africa ODIs, in the African nation, was announced on December 31 (Friday), 2021. While the squad announcement was delayed reportedly to examine Rohit Sharma's fitness, the 18-member squad got finally revealed sans limited-overs skipper Rohit. Rohit has been ruled out due to hamstring injury as his deputy KL Rahul will lead the Men in Blue in the three ODIs against SA, starting on January 19 at Paarl. After the squad announcement, BCCI's All-India Senior Selection Committee's chairman and former player Chetan Sharma attended his first-ever press conference since taking over the top post. In the PC, Sharma addressed some important topics pertaining in Indian cricket at present, i.e. the ODI captaincy row, opened up on the prospects of having KL Rahul as the future leader and more. On KL Rahul's rise Chetan said at the PC, "We are looking to groom KL Rahul and we have confidence in him. He has proved his leadership qualities. KL is the best one who can handle the side. He is an all-format player and he has got good experience of captaincy... this is what all selectors think." For the unversed, Rahul has captained Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the last two IPL seasons and is touted to be Lucknow franchise's skipper in IPL 2022. On Ganguly vs Kohli statements The biggest issue in Indian cricket right now is the contradictory statements made by BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly and former limited-overs captain Kohli post the latter's T20I captaincy resignation and sacking as ODI skipper. While Ganguly claimed that BCCI had asked Kohli to reconsider his decision to quit as T20I captain, the 33-year-old Kohli denied all such claims in a presser before the SA tour. Hence, Chetan Sharma shared his take on the matter and said, "When meeting started, it was a surprise for everybody. If the World T20 is round the corner and you hear something like this, what will be your reaction? Everyone present in that meeting had told him that he should rethink his decision (to quit T20 captaincy) and we can talk about it after the World Cup. All selectors felt at that time that this can affect us in the World Cup. It was told to Virat for sake of Indian cricket, please continue as the captain and it was told by everybody present in the meeting. The convenors were there, board officials were there. Sabhi ne bola hai (everyone told him). Who won’t tell? If this news comes to you, you are in a shock. But since we had a World T20 to play, we never wanted it to affect team." "He (Kohli) had his plans and we respect him. If he has taken the decision, and this is what he said in the media also, that from WTC he had been thinking about it... everyone told him to think about it and we thought let’s talk after the World Cup," added the former cricketer. ALSO READ | Packed home season, Asia Cup, T20 WC: A glance at Kohli, Rohit-starrer India's cricketing calendar for 2022 On Kohli's sacking as ODI captain On December 8, BCCI removed Kohli as the ODI skipper, appointing Rohit as the white-ball skipper. This also led to varied responses from all corners, especially as it came only in the form of a tweet from the BCCI and wasn't followed by an official statement or presser. At his presser on December 15, Kohli had admitted that he agreed on the reason given for his sacking, however, revealed that he came to know about the decision only sometime before the official announcement was made. In this regard, Sharma told, "It was Virat’s decision and nobody actually told him to quit the [T20I] captaincy. But once he quit T20 captaincy, obviously the selectors have to think what our decision is and obviously all selectors think it is one captain for white-ball formats, it becomes easy for selectors to plan things. We informed him regarding this. The 50 overs decision was the selectors’ and T20 captaincy was his decision." He further asserted, "As soon as selection committee came to the point and discussed it, I immediately called up Virat that afternoon. There was a Test selection coming up. We didn’t want to inform in that selection meeting and that’s why I called him when our meeting was over. And this is what selectors think and there will be one white-ball captain, there were a couple of questions and we had good conversations. He (Kohli) agreed on that. What we discuss I can’t disclose it here and we had a good chat. Most important thing is, Virat is a very important part of Indian cricket. We want him to play for India and keep getting runs, because the team revolves around it." "When it comes to planning, our thought process was we need one white-ball captain and one red-ball captain. He came at (Test selection) meeting around 5:30 pm and we had informed him before that. It was hard decision for us and we have to take some hard decisions, that’s what we are here for. Same for selection of playing XI. Sometimes those are need of the hour. He is going to be a very important for years to come," the 55-year old added. ALSO READ | KL Rahul named captain for South Africa ODIs as Rohit Sharma ruled out due to hamstring injury Chetan Sharma signed off by saying, "The main goal for everybody is the same: to keep India on top. We don’t want controversies. That is the reason we don’t come out. Our job is to select the team, make sure the best guy goes and plays for the country. When these controversies happen, it makes us sad as cricketers. I was joking that Ajaz [Patel] has been dropped by New Zealand after taking ten wickets. Imagine if we had done something similar, what would have happened to us," he said. At present, India is involved in a three-match Test series versus South Africa, in the rainbow nation. The Kohli-led Test side won the series opener, at Centurion, by 113 runs and are on the cusp of winning their first-ever Test series in the African nation if they win at least one of the remaining two Tests. The Tests will be followed by three ODIs, which will give Rahul the chance to lead India for the first time in a full series.

ODI captaincy row, KL Rahul as future captain: Major talking points from Chetan Sharma's press conference

Contradicting Virat Kohli, chairman of selectors Chetan Sharma on Friday said the batting maestro was told to carry on as T20I captain by everyone in the BCCI.

Days after Kohli quit T20I captaincy, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said that the Board had asked the superstar batter to reconsider his decision.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-named-captain-for-south-africa-odis-as-rohit-sharma-ruled-out-due-to-hamstring-injury-441482">KL Rahul named captain for South Africa ODIs as Rohit Sharma ruled out due to hamstring injury</a>

Kohli had contradicted Ganguly's statement during his explosive press conference prior to leaving for the Test series against South Africa, saying he had no such communication with the Board's president and that he was informed about his removal as ODI skipper one and a half hour before the selection meeting for the SA series.

However, Sharma on Friday said, "Everyone from selectors to (BCCI) office bearers, convenor of selection meeting and all present told Kohli to wait on T20 captaincy till World Cup got over."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/u-19-asia-cup-young-india-hammer-sri-lanka-by-9-wickets-to-win-trophy-for-eighth-time-441459">U-19 Asia Cup: Young India hammer Sri Lanka by 9 wickets to win trophy for eighth time</a>

"Everyone told him to reconsider and rethink," he added.

Kohli's comments had exposed the simmering tension between him and the BCCI officials.&nbsp;

Contradicting Virat Kohli, chairman of selectors Chetan Sharma on Friday said the batting maestro was told to carry on as T20I captain by everyone in the BCCI. Days after Kohli quit T20I captaincy, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said that the Board had asked the superstar batter to reconsider his decision.

Contradicting Virat Kohli, chairman of selectors Chetan Sharma on Friday said the batting maestro was told to carry on as T20I captain by everyone in the BCCI. Days after Kohli quit T20I captaincy, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said that the Board had asked the superstar batter to reconsider his decision. ALSO READ: KL Rahul named captain for South Africa ODIs as Rohit Sharma ruled out due to hamstring injury Kohli had contradicted Ganguly's statement during his explosive press conference prior to leaving for the Test series against South Africa, saying he had no such communication with the Board's president and that he was informed about his removal as ODI skipper one and a half hour before the selection meeting for the SA series. However, Sharma on Friday said, "Everyone from selectors to (BCCI) office bearers, convenor of selection meeting and all present told Kohli to wait on T20 captaincy till World Cup got over." ALSO READ: U-19 Asia Cup: Young India hammer Sri Lanka by 9 wickets to win trophy for eighth time "Everyone told him to reconsider and rethink," he added. Kohli's comments had exposed the simmering tension between him and the BCCI officials.

Everyone told Virat Kohli to reconsider stepping down as T20 captain, says chief selector Chetan Sharma

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) on Thursday appointed Chetan Sharma, Abey Kuruvilla and Debasis Mohanty as the new selectors for the national team.&nbsp;By virtue of seniority (most Tests played), Chetan Sharma will be the chairman of the committee and will take charge from Sunil Joshi, who was also appointed selector by the same CAC.&nbsp;

The CAC comprising of former Indian cricketers Madan Lal, RP Singh and Sulakshana Naik on Thursday interviewed Nayan Mongia, Ajit Agarkar and Abey Kuruvilla (West Zone), Maninder Singh, Chetan Sharma and Nikhil Chopra (North Zone) and Ranadeb Bose and Shiv Sunder Das (East Zone) for the three vacant posts in what is supposed to be a five-man panel.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a>

Madan Lal-led CAC appointed Chetan Sharma, Kuruvilla and Mohanty as the new national selectors and the trio will replace Devang Gandhi (East Zone), Sarandeep Singh (North Zone) and Jatin Paranjape (West Zone), in the senior men’s selection committee.

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The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Mr Madan Lal, Mr Rudra Pratap Singh and Ms Sulakshana Naik met virtually to select three members of the All-India Senior Selection Committee (Men).
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1342128025006063619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Chetan Sharma was selected from North Zone, Abey Kuruvilla from West Zone and Debasis Mohanty from East Zone. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-agm-10-team-ipl-approved-from-2022-edition-board-to-back-crickets-inclusion-in-2028-olympics-352059" hreflang="en">BCCI AGM: 10-team IPL approved from 2022 edition, board to back cricket's inclusion in 2028 Olympics</a>

On Thursday, CAC conducted online interviews for the first time to pick national selectors.&nbsp; 
In another news, the BCCI on Thursday approved a 10-team IPL from 2022 edition during the 89th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ahmedabad. The BCCI will also support ICC for the inclusion of cricket in 2028 Olympics while many key decisions were taken on domestic cricket including a compensation package for domestic players in case Ranji Trophy or Vijay Hazare Trophy gets cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic.&nbsp; 
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) on Thursday appointed Chetan Sharma, Abey Kuruvilla and Debasis Mohanty as the new selectors for the national team.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) on Thursday appointed Chetan Sharma, Abey Kuruvilla and Debasis Mohanty as the new selectors for the national team. By virtue of seniority (most Tests played), Chetan Sharma will be the chairman of the committee and will take charge from Sunil Joshi, who was also appointed selector by the same CAC. The CAC comprising of former Indian cricketers Madan Lal, RP Singh and Sulakshana Naik on Thursday interviewed Nayan Mongia, Ajit Agarkar and Abey Kuruvilla (West Zone), Maninder Singh, Chetan Sharma and Nikhil Chopra (North Zone) and Ranadeb Bose and Shiv Sunder Das (East Zone) for the three vacant posts in what is supposed to be a five-man panel. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? Madan Lal-led CAC appointed Chetan Sharma, Kuruvilla and Mohanty as the new national selectors and the trio will replace Devang Gandhi (East Zone), Sarandeep Singh (North Zone) and Jatin Paranjape (West Zone), in the senior men’s selection committee. The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Mr Madan Lal, Mr Rudra Pratap Singh and Ms Sulakshana Naik met virtually to select three members of the All-India Senior Selection Committee (Men). — BCCI (@BCCI) December 24, 2020 × Chetan Sharma was selected from North Zone, Abey Kuruvilla from West Zone and Debasis Mohanty from East Zone. ALSO READ: BCCI AGM: 10-team IPL approved from 2022 edition, board to back cricket's inclusion in 2028 Olympics On Thursday, CAC conducted online interviews for the first time to pick national selectors. In another news, the BCCI on Thursday approved a 10-team IPL from 2022 edition during the 89th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ahmedabad. The BCCI will also support ICC for the inclusion of cricket in 2028 Olympics while many key decisions were taken on domestic cricket including a compensation package for domestic players in case Ranji Trophy or Vijay Hazare Trophy gets cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic.

Chetan Sharma named Team India's chief selector; Abey Kuruvilla, Debashish Mohanty appointed selectors

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