BCCI to have 'professional talks' with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Dubai: Team India wrapped up the five-match Test series against England on a high note, securing a 2-2 draw. The standout performances from emerging talents like Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have sparked a new debate within Indian cricket circles.

With the youth stepping up, the question arises, should India bring back veteran stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for Tests and T20Is, or continue investing in the next generation? Both players have retired from T20Is and Tests but are expected to feature in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia. That series will be followed by three ODIs at home against South Africa. Between January and July 2026, India is also set to play six more ODIs—three at home against New Zealand and three away against England.

“This is something that will be discussed soon,” a BCCI source told PTI. “The next World Cup is still over two years away, scheduled for November 2027, by which time both Kohli and Rohit will be close to 40. A clear strategy is needed as we prepare for the tournament, especially since our last World Cup victory came in 2011. It's also important to provide opportunities to younger players.”

Another complicating factor is their lack of recent match practice. Neither Kohli nor Rohit has played since the Champions Trophy in March. According to BCCI policy, fully fit players are expected to participate in domestic cricket to remain eligible for selection.

“No one denies their monumental contributions to white-ball cricket—they’ve achieved almost everything,” the source added. “There’s unlikely to be any pressure on them. However, there will be open and professional conversations ahead of the next ODI cycle to evaluate their mental and physical readiness. Everything hinges on that.”