Speculation continues to swirl around the ODI futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, but the BCCI appears in no hurry to make a call on the two Indian cricket icons. While both players remain household names, their international schedules have slowed considerably following recent format retirements.
India’s ODI series against Bangladesh, initially slated for August, has been cancelled, delaying the duo’s return to the format. The Men in Blue’s next ODI assignment is against Australia from October 19 to 25, which could potentially be the last time fans see Rohit and Kohli in 50-over cricket. By the time the 2027 ODI World Cup comes around, both will be around 40 years old.
After guiding India to T20 World Cup glory in 2024, the two stalwarts stepped away from T20Is. They also bid farewell to Test cricket ahead of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 in England, signalling a gradual winding down of their international careers.
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A Dainik Jagran report suggests the BCCI is planning for the future with 2027 in mind and may move beyond Rohit and Kohli in ODIs. Suppose they intend to play until the next World Cup. In that case, the report claims they would need to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to stay match-fit and maintain selection eligibility—a requirement that could influence their retirement decisions.
However, a BCCI insider told PTI there is no immediate concern over their ODI roles. The board’s current focus is the Asia Cup T20 and preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026.
“If Rohit and Kohli have something in mind, they will inform the BCCI just like before the England Tests. Right now, our priority is sending the strongest team for the Asia Cup T20, ensuring all players are fit and available,” the source stated.
The duo last represented India during the Champions Trophy 2025, where India clinched the title. Kohli struck a century against Pakistan and scored 84 in the semifinal against Australia, while Rohit’s 76 in the final against New Zealand earned him the Player of the Match award.
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Since the IPL 2025, neither has played competitive cricket. Kohli, based in London, has resumed indoor training, while Rohit, back from a UK break, is set to begin preparations in Mumbai. This year, Kohli has scored 275 runs in seven ODIs at 45.83, including a hundred and two fifties. Rohit’s eight ODIs have yielded 302 runs at 37.75, also with a century and a fifty.
