Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI future under spotlight amid retirement rumours

Dubai: They’ve carried Indian cricket for over a decade, but will they carry it any further? Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — two of the most decorated batters of the modern era — are once again at the centre of a debate that goes beyond just form and fitness. With retirement from Tests and T20Is already behind them, and no competitive cricket since March’s Champions Trophy triumph, the question now is whether their ODI journeys will also end sooner than expected.

After defeating New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final, Rohit insisted he is not retiring from the ODI format just yet, aiming to quash the rumours. “I am not going to retire from this format. I want to make sure that no rumours are spread moving forward,” the 38-year-old said, putting an end to the speculation about his future.

Now, after a successful Test series against England, the speculation has returned—louder than before.

Both stalwarts have only played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since that title win in Dubai. Their most recent assignment — a planned ODI series against Bangladesh — was called off. India’s next 50-over fixtures are three ODIs against Australia in October, followed by a home series against South Africa.

A Dainik Jagran report last week suggested the duo could call time on their ODI careers during the Australia series, unless they commit to the domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy to meet the BCCI’s match-readiness policy. The rule requires fit players to play domestic cricket to remain eligible for selection. The report also hinted this requirement might influence their decision.

However, a senior BCCI official told PTI that no such decision has been made, and the board’s focus remains on the Asia Cup in September and the T20 World Cup in February 2026.

“If they have something in mind, they’ll inform the board, like before the England Test tour. But from the team’s perspective, the immediate priority is the Asia Cup and ensuring the best possible squad,” the official said, dismissing rumours of a farewell match in Sydney on October 25.

The debate comes as India’s younger players — such as Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Yashasvi Jaiswal — have impressed in recent Tests, prompting calls for a long-term transition plan. With the next ODI World Cup in November 2027, both Kohli and Rohit will be close to 40, making succession planning a key consideration.

Rohit’s childhood coach Dinesh Lad believes the opener still has much to offer and should aim for 2027.

“Winning the ODI World Cup has always been his dream, and he missed out in 2011. Whether he captains or not, he still has the hunger and determination to be part of the squad,” Lad told IANS.

Rohit, 38, has scored 11,168 runs in 273 ODIs at 48.76, including a record three double hundreds. In Tests, he amassed 4,301 runs from 67 matches, leading India in 24 games. Kohli remains India’s most prolific ODI batsman of his generation, with over 14,000 runs at an average above 57.

The duo, currently enjoying time with their families, have served Indian cricket with distinction and shown no hesitation in paving the way for the next generation. Rather than fuelling speculation, it may be best to let them decide their future on their own terms.