Wasim Jaffer Says Kohli Was Unhappy With Agarkar’s Selection Handling

Former India batter Wasim Jaffer believes Virat Kohli was unhappy with the way he was treated during Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as India’s chief selector. He suggests this may have played a part in the former captain’s decision to retire from Test cricket.

Retirement Came Without Warning

Kohli announced his retirement from the longest format on May 12, 2025, ahead of India’s tour of England and just days after Rohit Sharma. Rohit’s announcement came only minutes after reports emerged that selectors had told him he was no longer needed in the Test team. No such rumour surrounded Kohli, which made his decision a surprise for many fans.

Jaffer said the 37-year-old had already started preparing for the England series and felt he could have continued playing red-ball cricket. Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh had claimed at the time that Kohli wanted to score four to five centuries in England. Against that backdrop, Jaffer indicated that Kohli’s relationship with the selection panel may have been a factor in his exit.

Agarkar Rated 7 Out of 10

Jaffer also assessed Agarkar’s overall performance as chief selector, giving him 7 out of 10. He praised the panel’s white-ball record, which includes success in the World Cups, the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy.

However, Jaffer was critical of some player management decisions during the tenure, including those involving Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and others. He did not suggest the selector’s overall record was poor, but felt the handling of senior players could have been better.

The remarks reflect Jaffer’s own assessment rather than any confirmed statement from Kohli or the selectors. Even so, they add to the continuing debate over how India’s most decorated batters were managed in the final stretch of their Test careers.