No farewell: BCCI VP dashes speculations over Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's ODI retirement
Out of the three international formats, ODI is yet to take center stage in the ongoing Indian cricket calendar. Following the successful conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy, India shifted to the longer format as the new WTC cycle kicked off with the England tour. Lined up next in the India cricket schedule is the Asia Cup 2025, which will be played in the T20 format this season. With ODIs slated as late as October, one can wonder why the format is not leaving the headlines for the time being. The answer lies with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The Indian veterans remain active only in the 50-over format, and recent reports stirred the pot when they hinted that the senior duo could leave ODIs soon as well.
No need to worry about the farewell of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, clears BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma left Test cricket earlier this year. While Indian fans were awaiting a comeback after the disappointing conclusion to the last WTC cycle, the senior duo instead announced their Test retirements. The shocking decision left their availability limited to ODIs only. However, reports emerging from the BCCI corridors in the following days cast a shadow on their ODI careers as well. With the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup lined up ahead, the board allegedly planned to phase out the seniors.
The India cricket schedule leading up to the next ODI World Cup has sporadic fixtures in the format. The inconsistent game time, added to the fact that both Virat and Rohit will be pushing 40 by 2027, delivered a blow to their chances of playing the marquee tournament. Further updates suggested that the BCCI is planning to ask the seniors to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy if they want to extend their time with the national team.
The reported demands from both seniors signaled the possibility of their impending ODI retirements. All the chatter collectively hinted that the upcoming Australia tour, scheduled in October, could mark the last appearance of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for India. However, amid sensational updates, both Rohit and Kohli were seen gearing up for their comebacks. Rohit was captured training with India's former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, while Kohli posted a story from his net practice.
Now, a prominent BCCI figure has refuted all the speculations about Kohli and Rohit's ODI retirements. The BCCI vice president, Rajeev Shukla, reacted to the murmurs in a recent podcast. A long-time BCCI associate, Shukla was asked about how the board plans to give a farewell to the veterans. The BCCI VP instead countered the hosts, asking when the duo had retired. Shukla then opened up at length about the chatter, quashing any updates about the imminent ODI retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
"When did they retire? Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will both play one-dayers. So, if they are playing, why are you worried about a farewell series? Yes, they have retired from two formats in phases, but they are playing in ODIs, right? So please don't get worked up over it," Shukla said.
Furthermore, Rajeev Shukla reiterated the BCCI's stance on a player's retirement. The BCCI vice president clarified that the Indian board does not direct any player to retire from the game. In the case of Kohli and Rohit particularly, Shukla went on to count the qualities of the seniors, lauding their fitness and form. The BCCI representative concluded by assuring the podcast hosts that there is no need to worry about their farewell.
"Our policy at BCCI is very clear. We don't tell any player to retire. A player himself makes that call. He has to decide, and we respect that. We can only decide something when it’s official. Virat Kohli is extremely fit, and Rohit Sharma has been playing so well. Why are you worried about the farewell," he said.
