Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, and now there is speculation about their future in the ODI format. However, according to news agency PTI, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in no hurry to make a decision regarding the two players. India’s tour of Bangladesh scheduled for August has been postponed, and the team has no ODI series to play before facing Australia from 19 October.
Between them, Kohli and Rohit have scored a combined total of 83 centuries and over 25,000 runs in ODIs. There is ongoing discussion in Indian cricket circles about the fact that by the time the 2027 ODI World Cup takes place in October, Rohit will be 40 and Kohli 39. Will these two legends be able to continue until then? A BCCI source said, “Obviously, if Rohit and Kohli have something in mind, they will inform the top BCCI officials, just as they did before the Test series against England.”
From the Indian team’s perspective, the next major tournament is the T20 World Cup in February, and preparations for that are the immediate priority. For now, the focus is on sending the best possible squad for the Asia Cup 2025, with the hope that all players will be fit and available.
Last Match Played in the Champions Trophy
The BCCI rarely makes hasty decisions, and considering the massive fan following of both players, it always gauges public sentiment before making any sensitive announcement. Rohit and Kohli last played for India in a major tournament during the Champions Trophy in Dubai. In that event, Kohli scored a century against Pakistan in the group stage, while Rohit hit a half-century in the final. However, after the Champions Trophy, both featured in the IPL and have not played competitive cricket since.
Is the BCCI Planning a Farewell Match in Sydney?
Kohli now lives in London and recently shared an Instagram story showing himself practising in an indoor net session — a sign that he has resumed training. Rohit Sharma, who was vacationing in England after the IPL, has recently returned to Mumbai and is expected to start training soon. Some media reports claimed that the BCCI was planning to offer both players a farewell match in Sydney on 25 October. However, a BCCI insider has denied these reports, stating that no such discussions have taken place yet.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy ODI tournament is set to begin on 24 December, and before that, the Indian team is scheduled to play six ODIs. After the Australia tour, India will host South Africa for a three-match ODI series starting 30 November.