Sourav Ganguly gives a bold comment on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

During Sourav Ganguly’s tenure as BCCI President from 2019 to 2022, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stood at the forefront of Indian cricket, leading the team across formats and serving as its most prominent faces. Fast forward three years, the landscape has changed dramatically. Both stalwarts have stepped away from two formats—Tests and T20Is—and now, their futures in ODI cricket appear uncertain. According to recent reports, Kohli and Rohit are likely to bid farewell to the 50-over format after one final assignment—a three-match ODI series against Australia in October 2025. The tour, set to take place Down Under, is expected to mark the end of an era in Indian cricket team, with two of its modern-day greats possibly playing their last ODIs.

BCCI breaks the silence on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's ODI cricket future

The series will begin on October 19 in Perth, followed by matches in Adelaide on October 23 and Sydney on October 25. While there has been no official confirmation from the players or the board, speculation is growing that this could be a symbolic swan song for both icons. If true, it would signal the closing chapter of a golden generation in Indian cricket, as the team prepares to transition into a new era under emerging leadership.

However, former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly stated that he was unaware of any decision regarding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from ODI cricket. He emphasized that such choices should not be based on speculation or age but purely on performance. Ganguly asserted that as long as the duo continues to deliver on the field, there is no reason to question their place in the team.

Both players remain among the most accomplished in ODI history. Kohli currently sits third on the all-time list of leading run-scorers in the format, a testament to his consistency and dominance over the years. Rohit, meanwhile, holds the record for the highest individual score in ODI cricket—a staggering 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014. Their contributions have been monumental, and Ganguly believes decisions about their futures should be guided by form and fitness, not assumptions or timelines set by others.

"It’s difficult to say. Whoever does well will play. If they do well, they should continue. Kohli’s one-day record is phenomenal, even Rohit Sharma’s. Both of them are phenomenal in white-ball cricket,” stated former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has responded to growing speculation surrounding the ODI futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, following a media report suggesting their international careers in the 50-over format could end as early as October this year. If that proves true, India would be without two of its biggest icons at the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. The speculation was sparked by a report from Dainik Jagran, which claimed that both Kohli and Rohit are likely to retire from ODIs after India’s three-match series against Australia in October.

According to the report, if the two wish to extend their ODI careers until the next World Cup, they would be required to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s domestic List A competition, to remain match-fit and eligible for selection. This reported domestic requirement, it suggested, might influence their decision to retire early. However, a BCCI official, speaking to PTI on the condition of anonymity, dismissed the speculation, stating that the board is not currently focused on the ODI futures of either player. Instead, their primary attention is on India’s preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026.

"Obviously, if they (Rohit and Kohli) have something in mind, they would tell the BCCI brass like they did before the England Test tour. But from an Indian team's perspective, the next big assignment is the T20 World Cup in February and preparations before that. The immediate focus will be on sending the best team for the Asia Cup T20 tournament, hoping all players are fit and available," the source said.

The report also clarified that the BCCI is unlikely to make any hasty decisions regarding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, especially given their stature and the immense public interest they command. A PTI source dismissed recent media speculation suggesting the board had planned a farewell match for the duo in Sydney on October 25, stating that no such discussions have taken place.

Both Kohli and Rohit last represented India during the Champions Trophy earlier this year in the UAE, where India clinched the title. Since then, however, neither has featured in competitive cricket, having not played a match following the conclusion of the Indian Premier League. Their future in the ODI format remains uncertain amid ongoing speculation.