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India’s senior duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retired from T20Is and Tests. The only format in which they remain active is in ODIs. But, there is a possibility that India’s tour of Australia for limited-overs series later this year may turn out to be their farewell series in international cricket.
As per a report by Jagran, the three-ODI series against Australia will be their last as the One-Day team will undergo transition as well. The report says that while Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) acknowledges the immense contribution of the star duo, there is a long line of young players behind them. The team management and selectors are preparing, keeping in mind the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The report further claims that the tea management believes that Rohit and Kohli will not fit into their strategy for the 50-over World Cup which will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Rohit and Kohli announced their retirement from T20Is after winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados. There were reports that they will retire from ODIs after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but Rohit rubbished those reports. The Test retirement announcements came during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, ahead of the squad announcement for England tour.
Vijay Hazare Trophy to remain in contention for ODI team?
The report also says that if Rohit and Kohli intend to continue playing ODI cricket, they will have to make themselves available to play in Vijay Hazare Trophy as well for their respective state sides. Earlier this year, Rohit and Kohli marked their return to Ranji Trophy as well but did not play another red-ball game.
Cricket Australia wants to honour modern-day greats
It is possible that due to this condition, both of them may announce their retirement prior to the Australia tour. A couple of months earlier, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said that he wants to honour the modern-day greats, as it will be their last Australia tour.
“This might be the last time that we get to see Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma play in our country. And if that is the case, who knows it might not be, but if it is, we wanna make sure we give them a great send off and a reflection of the incredible contribution they’ve made to international cricket," CA CEO Greenberg.
The ODI series will begin on October 19 at Perth Stadium. Kohli's last ODI century came at this venue as well. The second Test will be played on October 23 at Adelaide Oval. The third and last ODI of the series will be hosted by Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25.
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