The names Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have long transcended Indian cricket, becoming synonymous with consistency, passion, and unmatched excellence. Few players dominate global cricketing discourse the way these two do. Even as India celebrated a 2-0 victory against the West Indies and geared up for a crucial tour of Australia, the spotlight has remained firmly fixed on Kohli and Rohit.
Both legends are set to return to international cricket with India’s much-anticipated white-ball series against Australia — and ahead of the first ODI in Perth on October 19, widespread speculation has taken over cricket circles: Will this be the final ODI series for the two stalwarts?
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has now stepped in to categorically deny those rumours, calling them “absolutely wrong.”
Kohli and Rohit: The Centre of Attention Once Again
Since their retirement from Test cricket in May this year, debates have intensified about what lies ahead for the duo. Having already bid farewell to T20Is and now focusing exclusively on ODIs, fans and analysts have been speculating whether their journey might culminate soon — perhaps even during the Australian tour.
Reports had surfaced suggesting that the three-match ODI series could serve as a farewell for Kohli and Rohit, both of whom will be nearing 40 by the time of the 2027 ODI World Cup. But despite whispers of impending retirement, sources within the BCCI have indicated otherwise — the two veterans are far from done.
BCCI Issues a Strong Clarification
In a significant statement, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has refuted all rumours of Kohli and Rohit hanging up their boots after the Australian tour. Speaking to ANI in Delhi, shortly after India’s seven-wicket win against the West Indies, Shukla made it clear that the upcoming ODI series is not a farewell event for the duo.
“It is going to benefit us a lot. They are great batsmen. We will succeed in defeating Australia with them in the team. It is absolutely wrong to say that this is their last ODI series. It depends on the players as to when they have to retire,” said Shukla.
According to Shukla, the decision to retire lies solely with the players, not the board. His comments come as a reassuring sign for fans, who were anxious about whether they’d seen the last of Kohli and Rohit in Indian colours.
#WATCH | Delhi: On India's 2-0 win series over West Indies, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla says, "I congratulate team India that under Shubman Gill, we defeated West Indies. This was very important before embarking on the Australian tour. This will help us in Australia..."
On… pic.twitter.com/hOtuJ9NRyY— ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2025
India’s Upcoming ODI Schedule: Far From the End
India’s one-day itinerary is quite packed leading up to the 2027 World Cup. The Men in Blue are scheduled to play 27 ODIs — and that number may rise further once the next Future Tours Programme (FTP) is finalized. Between now and January alone, India will contest nine ODIs, and both Kohli and Rohit are expected to feature prominently in them, depending on form and fitness.
This workload and continued selection reinforce BCCI’s faith in their experience and ability — clearly indicating that retirement is nowhere on the horizon.
A Special Love Affair with Australia
If there’s one nation where both Kohli and Rohit have repeatedly proven their mettle, it’s Australia. Their records Down Under are nothing short of phenomenal.
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Virat Kohli has amassed 1,327 runs in 29 ODIs against Australia at an impressive average of 51.04, including five centuries.
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Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, has scored 1,328 runs from 30 ODIs with five hundreds as well, boasting an average of 53.12.
These are not just numbers — they’re a testament to their dominance in one of the toughest cricketing environments in the world.
Kohli, who recently returned to India for the first time since June, has already reached Delhi and will fly to Australia on October 15 along with Rohit, who is also joining the squad after months away from international action.
The Leadership Transition: Shubman Gill Takes Over
As part of India’s long-term roadmap, the BCCI recently handed Shubman Gill, 26, the ODI captaincy — replacing Rohit Sharma, who led the team to the Champions Trophy title in March 2025. The decision was made to give Gill enough time — roughly two years — to shape his vision ahead of the next World Cup.
While this move symbolized a generational shift, it did not signify the end for Rohit and Kohli. Both remain vital to the team’s immediate plans and will continue to bring their wealth of experience and composure to India’s middle order.
Reports also suggest that with fewer ODIs on the international calendar next year, the duo may feature in domestic List-A tournaments, including the Vijay Hazare Trophy, to stay match-fit and continue contributing to the 50-over format.
‘Their Presence Will Benefit the Team’: BCCI Reaffirms Faith
Shukla, while addressing the media in Delhi, doubled down on his faith in the two veterans.
“This is very beneficial for us (Rohit and Kohli being in the ODI squad). Because both of them are great batsmen, and in the presence of both of them, I think we will be successful in defeating Australia. To say this would be their last series is absolutely wrong,” he said.
He emphasized that speculation about their farewell was premature and unfounded. “We should never go into these things. It is up to the players when they would retire,” he added.
Captain Gill’s Support for the Legends
Even newly-appointed skipper Shubman Gill spoke highly of the senior duo, backing them to work their magic against the Aussies.
“Expectations? I mean, they are players who have won so many matches for us in the past. They’ve been playing for 10–15 years, and the experience they bring to the table is something every captain and team wants. We just want them to go out there and do their thing — do their magic,” Gill told JioHotstar.
His words perfectly capture the sentiment of an entire generation of players who have grown up idolizing Kohli and Rohit.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Legendary ODI Records
Both players’ careers speak volumes about their contribution to Indian cricket.
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Rohit Sharma: 273 matches, 11,168 runs, 32 centuries, 58 fifties, a top score of 264, and an average of 48.77. He also holds multiple world records, including the highest individual ODI score and most double centuries in the format.
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Virat Kohli: 302 matches, 14,181 runs, 51 centuries, 74 fifties, a career-best of 183, and an average of 57.88 — one of the highest in ODI history.
Kohli also remains the fastest player to reach 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 ODI runs, underscoring his unmatched consistency and class.
By the time the 2027 World Cup arrives, Rohit will be 40 and Kohli 39 — both nearing the twilight of their careers but still among the fittest and most driven cricketers in the world.
‘Retirement Is the Players’ Call’ — BCCI’s Final Word
The BCCI’s firm response comes after months of swirling rumours suggesting that selectors were ready to phase out the two veterans. Some reports even claimed that their selection moving forward would depend solely on ‘merit’ rather than past achievements.
But the latest statements from the board have quashed such talk, confirming that both Rohit and Kohli remain integral to India’s short-term and medium-term ODI plans.
Shukla concluded his remarks by reiterating:
“It depends entirely on the players when they choose to retire. Saying this is their last ODI series is absolutely wrong.”
Looking Ahead: A Defining Tour for India
The upcoming Australia series — featuring three ODIs and five T20Is — marks a pivotal chapter not only for Indian cricket but also for two of its greatest modern-day icons. It will be Kohli and Rohit’s first appearance since the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand on March 9, over seven months ago.
The duo’s return will inject stability, experience, and leadership into the squad as India aims to dominate the Aussies in their own backyard.
As both players prepare to don the Indian blue once again, fans across the world will be watching closely — not to bid farewell, but to celebrate two of the finest cricketers of their generation continuing to script history.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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