India’s cricketing icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have already bid farewell to Tests and T20Is, but remain undecided on their ODI future. By all indications, their continued presence in the 50-over format hinges on the 2027 World Cup. However, according to a Dainik Jagran report, the BCCI and Indian team management may not be including the star duo in their long-term plans for the ICC ODI World Cup in 2027.
If true, the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia could be the last time fans see Rohit and Kohli in India colours. The series is scheduled for October 19, 23, and 25.
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The report further claims that for the two veterans to retain their places, they must feature in domestic cricket — specifically the Vijay Hazare Trophy — to prove both form and fitness.
Interestingly, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were asked to feature in the Ranji Trophy after India’s crushing defeat to Australia in last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The move reflected the growing depth of young talent in the country, with the management keen to explore all options ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
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Both players did turn out for their respective Ranji Trophy teams before announcing their retirements from Test cricket in May, just ahead of the Anderson-Tendulkar series squad announcement. They also stepped away from T20Is after clinching the 2024 T20 World Cup title.
The legacy of these two modern-day giants remains unparalleled. Virat Kohli, who holds the record for the second-highest number of ODI fifties, has amassed 14,181 runs in 302 matches at an impressive average of 57.88. Meanwhile, current ODI skipper Rohit Sharma has scored 11,168 runs in 273 games, maintaining a brisk strike rate of 92.80.
India’s busy ODI calendar for 2025-26 features clashes against South Africa, New Zealand, England, and the West Indies. If speculation proves true, the upcoming Australia series could signal the close of a remarkable chapter—unless Kohli and Rohit prove their critics wrong once again like they always do.
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