On October 16, Team India reached Australia ahead of the three-ODI series. In the last few weeks, there have been rumours floating around that this might be Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s last ODI series. Amidst retirement speculations, Kohli posted a cryptic message on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“The only time you truly fail, is when you decide to give up,” Kohli wrote on X.
Kohli will be seen in action alongside Rohit under Shubman Gill’s captaincy in the ODI series opener on October 19 at Perth Stadium. This will be the senior duo’s first international appearance since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph in Dubai.
What Gill and Gambhir said about Ro-Ko's ODI future
"The experience and skill that Rohit and Virat have — very few players possess them. Very few have helped India win as many matches as they both have. To have that kind of skill, quality, and experience — I think very few players in the world have that," Shubman said at the pre-match press conference at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on October 9.
“They are very much in the mix for the ODI World Cup 2027,” he added.
Gambhir echoed Gill's sentiments but feels that ODI World Cup 2027 is a long way ahead.
“ODI World Cup is two and a half years away. It is important to stay in the present. They are both quality players. Hopefully, those 2 will have a successful tour,” Gambhir said in the press conference after West Indies Test series.
Kohli, Rohit to achieve in Australia what Sachin Tendulkar couldn't
Kohli needs big knocks to complete 1,000 runs on Australian soil in ODIs against Australia. Rohit is highly likely to become first Indian to achieve this feat. The opener has 990 runs from 19 ODIs at an average of 58.23, including four centuries and two fifties. Kohli has 802 runs from 802 runs from 18 innings at an average of 47.17, including three centuries and four fifties.