Indian Greats set for an Australian Ode? CA planning a farewell for Kohli, Rohit

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were widely expected to be a part of India’s Test squad for the upcoming tour of England. However, in a surprising turn of events, both senior batters announced their retirement from Test cricket even before the high-profile five-match series got underway. Their exit marks the end of an era, especially considering their enormous contributions to red-ball cricket over the years. With this move, and having already stepped away from T20 internationals after the 2024 T20 World Cup, the duo now remains available for India in just one format — One Day Internationals (ODIs). Despite their Test and T20I retirements, both Kohli and Rohit are expected to continue featuring in ODIs for the foreseeable future.

Their next international assignment is likely to be India’s three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in August 2025, followed by another three-match ODI series in October against Australia. These series are seen as crucial preparatory fixtures ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where India will hope to rely on the experience and leadership of both veterans. Fans will now look forward to seeing the iconic pair continue their ODI journey, even as a new generation of players steps up in the longer formats.

Many fans and cricket experts believe that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may bid farewell to international cricket after the 2027 ODI World Cup. If that turns out to be true, India’s tour of Australia in October 2025 could serve as a symbolic farewell series for the two legendary cricketers. Given their immense contributions to the sport and their global fanbase, the farewell is expected to be a grand and emotional affair.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, Cricket Australia’s CEO Todd Greenberg has confirmed plans for a special tribute to Kohli and Rohit during India’s upcoming visit. The farewell gesture is aimed at honouring the two icons who have played memorable matches on Australian soil and share a deep cricketing legacy with the country. Fans across the world will be eager to witness this farewell, marking the end of an era in Indian and world cricket.

"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," Cricket Australia’s CEO Todd Greenberg said.

While Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to feature in the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh, there remains some uncertainty about their participation. Both players have expressed a desire to continue playing until the 2027 ODI World Cup. In a recent interview, Rohit stated his intention to stay active in international cricket until then, and Kohli—who boasts a remarkable ODI average of 57.9—is expected to follow suit. However, age and fitness could pose challenges. By the time the 2027 World Cup arrives, Rohit will be 40 and Kohli 38, making it tougher to maintain peak performance. Despite the speculation, neither has officially announced retirement from any format of the game, keeping the door open for continued appearances.