They might have retired from Tests and T20Is but Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue to be the biggest names in Indian cricket as long as they haven't officially quit ODI cricket. After India's 2025 Champions Trophy title, many wondered if we have seen the last of the veteran duo in international cricket. Especially with the next ODI World Cup still another two years away.
It has been close to seven months since the 2025 Champions Trophy final and India haven't played an ODI during this period. Kohli and Rohit have both played the IPL but haven't featured in any competitive cricket since then. With both players only playng one format, rust is inevitable and that is what sparked the retirement rumours in the first place. India are set to play an ODI after seven months when they embark on the white-ball tour to Australia later this month and the big news is that both stalwarts will be part of the squad.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the ODI squad on Saturday (October 4) alongside the T20I squad for the tour of Australia. The trip kicks-off with a three-match ODI series that will be followed by five T20Is as the shortest form of the game takes precedence with a World Cup around the corner. By including Kohli and Rohit, the team management seems to be satisfied with the continuity theory instead of looking at the long-term future.
The one thing to note, however, is whether Rohit will continue as captain of the side. Currently aged 38, the opening batter will be nudging his 40s when the next ODI World Cup arrives and head coach Gautam Gambhir's opinion will have a strong say on whether Rohit will hang on to his role. Having won two ICC trophies in two years, Rohit has the track record to get a longer rope but the age factor remains an obstacle in his path. There is a possibility of India appointing a young captain, but it is too premature to talk about that right now.
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Currently, supporters of the two legends will be relieved on knowing that the duo are set to continue their respective stints in international cricket. Rohit, in fact, had maintained during the press conference after the Champions Trophy win that he had no plans of retirement. His statements, though, surprised the BCCI who were possibly expecting him and Kohli to retire. Both batters have since then shown strong hints of wanting to continue and for the moment, the selectors also seem to agree.
