BCCI puts a tough condition on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's ODI cricket future
The BCCI, time and again, has explained that the board does not meddle with the retirement calls of veterans, especially after the ripples caused by the Test retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. However, there might be a more indirect way to guide the players in that direction without explicitly mentioning the word 'retirement'. With no confirmation on the proposed white-ball series with Sri Lanka, the next ODI assignment for the Men in Blue is scheduled as late as the October window this year. Nevertheless, the format has remained in the headlines over the past week as shocking updates continue to pile up about the future setup. While there have been no confirmations, these developments point in a worrying direction, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma likely to exit the scene sooner than anticipated.
The ODI series in Australia could be the last for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the format: Reports
The focus shifted to the white-ball formats after the conclusion of the thrilling India vs England series, which the young visitors managed to draw. However, before the spotlight falls on the Asia Cup 2025, the next event in India cricket schedule, the 50-over format has seized the attention all to itself. A report that emerged a few days ago stated that the BCCI is skeptical about the participation of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.
With their T20I retirements in 2024 and their recent Test retirements, the seniors now have just this one format to channel all their concentration into. However, their age, which will be close to 40 by the time the 2027 ODI World Cup gets underway, along with a sporadic ODI schedule leading up to the marquee event, has pushed the board to the edge. Now, the latest update in the saga suggests that the upcoming ODI series against Australia, scheduled for later this year, could be the final appearance of the captain and the former Indian captain in the last remaining format.
While the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa was widely believed to be their swansong, fresh information suggests their journeys in the format could conclude much sooner. The three-match ODI series against Australia in October might now hold far greater significance than being just another bilateral tour. If reports prove accurate, it could serve as the pair’s farewell to 50-over cricket, transforming the tour from a standard bilateral contest into an emotional send-off.
Kohli, Rohit will be required to play Vijay Hazare Trophy if they want to continue in ODIs
According to the report, any decision by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to continue until 2027 ODI World Cup would come with a catch. The duo could be a required to feature in domestic one-day cricket, specifically the Vijay Hazare Trophy later this year. The rationale mirrors that applied to Test hopefuls, who were asked to participate in the Ranji Trophy ahead of the India vs England series, staying attuned to the demands of the format.
It is this condition, insiders say, that could push the two stalwarts toward stepping away from ODIs altogether after the Australia tour. Selectors, meanwhile, appear to be eyeing the next generation. India’s bench strength in white-ball cricket is as deep as it has ever been. Meanwhile, with the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle already in motion, there’s a clear emphasis on grooming a younger core and finding settled combinations early. However, the transition will demand tough calls leading to some emotional farewells.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have already shown a willingness to walk away on their own terms, having jointly retired from T20Is after India’s World Cup win and from Tests this May. India’s ODI series in Australia begins October 19 in Perth, with the remaining matches in Adelaide and Sydney. Soon after, they will host South Africa for ODIs in November-December, before diving into a packed white-ball calendar for 2026.
