Indian cricket fans are still happy after the exciting England tour, but now there is a new buzz going around. This time, the spotlight falls on two of India’s greatest cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.Both have already retired from Test cricket and T20 internationals, and now only play ODIs. Many fans thought they would keep playing till the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa, but a new report suggests that may not play.
The Big Rumour
According to a Dainik Jagran report, the Australia ODI series scheduled for October 2025 might be the final tournament when Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli represent India in the 50 over game. Citing a BCCI insider, the report suggests that if the two players truly aim to feature in the 2027 World Cup, this tournament could be a decisive point in their ODI journey.
They will need to take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy India’s main domestic one day tournamen in December this year.This is just like when Indian players had to play the Ranji Trophy earlier in the year to be considered for the Test series against England.
Why This Could Happen
The main reason behind this possible change is India’s growing competition of young players in white ball cricket. The selectors are planning for the future, and they want to give more chances to the next generation before the 2027 World Cup. If Kohli and Rohit decide to step away from ODIs now, it would give younger players time to settle in and gain experience.
Their Journey So Far
After a tough Border Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year, both Rohit and Kohli played in the Ranji Trophy for their state teams. But in May 2025, before the England tour squad was announced, they officially retired from Test cricket. A month later, after India won the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados, both legends announced their T20I retirement as well. That left ODIs as the only international format they still played.
What Is Next for India in ODIs
India has a set ODI cricket calendar ahead, starting with an exciting tour of Australia from October 19, 2025. This series will take place in three famous Australian cities Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney and is expected to be a thrilling contest.
Once the Australia tour is over, India will return home to host South Africa for a three match ODI series in December 2025. Moving into 2026, the team’s schedule becomes even busier, with important series lined up one after another.
In January 2026, India will face New Zealand, followed by a home series against Afghanistan in June. Just a month later, in July 2026, the Indian team will go head to head with England. Then, in September, the West Indies will arrive for another challenging ODI series. To end the year, India will play New Zealand again in October 2026.
If senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli choose to retire after the Australia series, these matches will be the perfect opportunity for fresh talent to step forward and prove themselves on the big stage. The coming months will truly test India’s depth and give young cricketers a chance to shine.
Final Thoughts for Fans
For over a decade, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been the heart of India’s batting in white ball cricket. They have given fans countless memories from big hundreds to match winning partnerships. Whether they retire after the Australia series or stay on till the 2027 World Cup, their legacy in Indian cricket is already secured.