As India gears up to face Australia in a three-match ODI series starting October 19, 2025, in Perth, a major question has set the cricketing world abuzz — Is this going to be the final international series for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma? With both modern-day legends nearing the twilight of their careers, speculation about their retirement has been dominating headlines. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has now stepped in to put these rumours to rest.
BCCI Breaks Silence on Farewell Speculation
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has categorically denied reports suggesting that the upcoming ODI series against Australia will mark the end of Virat and Rohit’s international careers. Speaking to the media, Shukla dismissed the claims as “absolutely wrong,” emphasizing that retirement decisions rest solely with the players.
“It is absolutely wrong to say this will be their last series. The decision to retire is up to them. Both are great players, and they are contributing well,” said Rajeev Shukla.
He further clarified that neither Rohit Sharma nor Virat Kohli has informed the board about any retirement plans. Both remain fully committed to India’s ODI setup and continue to be available for selection.
Why the Rumour Started?
The speculation began shortly after India’s squad for the Australia ODI tour was announced. With several young names being included, fans began to wonder if the BCCI was preparing for a post-Rohit-Virat era. A few factors added fuel to the fire:
- Age and Experience: Rohit Sharma is now 38, while Virat Kohli is 36. By the 2027 ODI World Cup, both will be close to 40, making their long-term future uncertain.
- Focus on ODIs Only: Both stars have already stepped away from T20Is and Tests to manage workload, which naturally triggered questions about their eventual ODI exit.
- Emerging Young Core: With players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma impressing on the big stage, the transition toward a younger Indian team seems inevitable.
BCCI’s Current Stance: No Farewell Planned
The BCCI has made it clear that there’s no such plan in place for now. Shukla reaffirmed that both players continue to play key roles in India’s ODI plans.
“Both Rohit and Virat remain important for the Indian team. They have given a lot to Indian cricket, and any decision on their retirement will be taken by them, not by the board,” said Shukla.
This statement suggests that while the selectors are nurturing young talent for the future, there’s no immediate intention of phasing out the two senior-most cricketers who have shaped India’s modern cricketing identity.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: The Road So Far
Over the past decade, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been pillars of Indian cricket. Rohit’s leadership has been instrumental in India’s recent successes, including:
- Leading India to the 2023 ODI World Cup Final
- Captaining India to the 2024 T20 World Cup Title
- Winning the Champions Trophy 2025
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli continues to be India’s most prolific ODI batsman, with over 13,000 ODI runs and 47 centuries — a record that stands among the greatest in cricket history.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: Last 5 ODI Tournaments (2023–2025)
| Tournament | Virat Kohli Performance | Rohit Sharma Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 ODI World Cup | 765 runs in 11 matches, Avg: 95.62, 3 centuries | 597 runs in 11 matches, Avg: 54.27, Strike Rate: 126.89 |
| 2024 Asia Cup | 312 runs in 5 matches, Avg: 78.00 | 284 runs in 5 matches, Avg: 56.80 |
| South Africa ODI Series 2024 | 178 runs in 3 matches | 162 runs in 3 matches |
| England ODI Series 2025 | 220 runs in 3 matches, 1 century | 189 runs in 3 matches, 2 fifties |
| Champions Trophy 2025 | 438 runs in 6 matches, Player of the Tournament | 402 runs in 6 matches, led India to title |
Their stats clearly show that both veterans continue to perform at an elite level, silencing critics who question their longevity. Age, as they say, has only refined their game and temperament.
India vs Australia 2025 ODI Series Squads
India ODI Squad
Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammad Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
Australia ODI Squad
Mitchell Marsh (C), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Philippe (WK), Mitchell Owen, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Kuhnemann
The Road Ahead
The upcoming series against Australia isn’t about farewells — it’s about preparation. The Indian selectors want to ensure a seamless transition by balancing experience with youth. Kohli and Rohit’s presence will provide stability and mentorship to the younger core as India shapes its roadmap for the next ODI cycle.
Both legends have time and again proven that form and fitness still favor them. As of now, fans can continue to enjoy the sight of Kohli’s classic cover drives and Rohit’s effortless pull shots — two timeless visuals that have defined Indian cricket for more than a decade.
References
- BCCI Media Interaction with Rajeev Shukla – October 2025
- ANI Sports Desk: “BCCI clarifies on Virat, Rohit retirement rumours”
- ESPNcricinfo player records (2023–2025 ODI stats)
- Possible11 analysis and cricket data archives
Also Read: Top 3 Common Injuries Every Cricketer Faces Once in a Lifetime
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