BCCI had addressed growing speculation over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ODI Career’s, confirming both are available and no retirement decision has been made.
The debate related to Rohit, Kohli ODI Future reignited after a report claimed the veteran batters could step away from the 50 over format after India’s October series against Australia. Having already retired from Test and T20i, Rohit and Kohli international careers now solely rest ODI’s, leading their question over the future with the next ODI World Cup still 2 years away.
According to reports, both are required to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy later this year to stay in-match condition for consideration for the 2027 World Cup. BCCI officials clarified, however, that the board has not rushed into any discussions over their ODI future. “They’d tell the BCCI brass if they had something in mind like they did before the England Test tour,’ a senior official told PTI on condition of anonymity.
The immediate focus of the board is on the Asia Cup T20 tournament scheduled for 2025, followed by the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026, and will be looking to select the strongest team possible. As the BCCI vice-president, Rajeev Shukla reiterated that both players are “available for one-day cricket” and that it is entirely up to them when it comes to retirement. He said that selection would be based on fitness, form, and balance of the team.
With both players set to nearing 40 by the time of 2027 ODI world Cup, the discussion around their participation may be 50-50. . For now, though, India’s cricket management aims to maintain the balance between giving its seasoned match-winners opportunities and integrating younger talent, ensuring a smooth transition when the time eventually comes.