The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla dismissed speculation that the upcoming ODI series against Australia would mark the final international appearance of batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
BCCI Officially Dismisses Retirement Rumors
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has firmly denied speculation. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will not retire after the Australia ODI series. In fact, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla called the rumors “absolutely wrong.” He emphasized that retirement decisions rest solely with the players themselves. Furthermore, both legends remain vital to India’s ODI setup. Therefore, fans can expect to see them in action beyond October 2025.
Legends Remain Central to India’s World Cup Plans
Rohit and Virat are actively preparing for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. Consequently, their inclusion in the Australia tour is strategic. Shukla highlighted their experience as a major asset. Moreover, both batters continue to deliver consistent performances. Rohit has scored 302 runs in eight ODIs this year. Similarly, Virat has tallied 275 runs in seven innings. Hence, their presence strengthens India’s chances against top-tier opposition.
Recent Form Shows No Signs of Decline
Virat Kohli recently smashed an unbeaten century against South Africa. Likewise, Rohit Sharma posted a fluent 119 earlier this year. Additionally, both played key roles in India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph. Their leadership and composure under pressure remain unmatched. As a result, selectors trust them in high-stakes matches. Thus, talk of retirement appears premature and unfounded.
Shukla Praises Team India’s Momentum
Shukla also commended Shubman Gill’s leadership after the 2-0 Test sweep over West Indies. He noted that the West Indies series served as ideal preparation for Australia. Moreover, he expressed full confidence in India’s ability to win overseas. “Definitely, we will win in Australia,” he stated with conviction. This optimism extends to the ODI squad featuring both Kohli and Rohit.
Future Roles May Evolve, But Not End
Although Shubman Gill now captains the ODI side, Kohli and Rohit remain senior advisors. Their mentorship guides young stars like Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma. Meanwhile, their on-field contributions are still decisive. For instance, Virat’s strike rate exceeds 93 in ODIs. Similarly, Rohit’s 32 ODI centuries speak volumes. Therefore, their careers are far from over—evolving, not ending.
Australia Series Marks Continuation, Not Farewell
The three-match ODI series begins on October 19 in Australia. Both players have retired from Tests and T20Is but remain ODI specialists. Consequently, this tour is part of a longer roadmap. It is not a farewell. Instead, it is a bridge toward the 2027 World Cup. Fans should view it as a new chapter—not a conclusion.
Legacy and Leadership Still Drive Team India
Kohli and Rohit inspire through action, not just words. Their work ethic sets the standard in the dressing room. Additionally, their calmness in crunch moments uplifts the entire squad. For example, during the Asia Cup final, their guidance helped Tilak Varma anchor the chase. Thus, their value transcends statistics. They are cultural cornerstones of modern Indian cricket.