New Delhi:
Barely a month after India’s emphatic Test series win over England, attention has shifted off the field. The focus is now on the futures of two modern-day greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
According to a Dainik Jagran report, the upcoming three-match ODI series in Australia this October could mark the end of their careers in the 50 over format.
🚨 Big Breaking 🚨
Australia might witness the final series of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Team management is reportedly not including them in the 2027 World Cup plans
To stay in the ODI squad, both may have to prove themselves again in the Vijay Hazare Trophy
This… pic.twitter.com/PvNcZNnztm
— Crikistaan (@crikistaan) August 10, 2025
From Expected Farewell in 2027 to an Early Goodbye
For years, fans assumed the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa would be the grand stage for Kohli and Rohit’s final act. However, new developments suggest they may hang up their ODI boots much sooner.
BCCI’s Domestic Cricket Condition
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly wants all potential 2027 World Cup players to participate in the domestic one-day competition the Vijay Hazare Trophy to maintain match fitness and format rhythm.
This mirrors the policy applied to Test aspirants earlier in 2025, when players were asked to compete in the Ranji Trophy before the England tour.
A Possible Trigger for Retirement
The requirement to play domestic ODIs could prove decisive. At this stage of their careers, Kohli and Rohit might opt out rather than commit to a full domestic season, making the Australia series their farewell.
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Selectors Eyeing the Next Generation
Behind the scenes, selectors are reportedly focused on building a younger core for the future. India’s white-ball bench strength is deeper than ever, and planning for the 2027 World Cup means tough calls on transitioning senior players out.
Tour Dates and Emotional Stakes
The three-match Australia ODI series begins on October 19 in Perth, followed by games in Adelaide and Sydney. If the retirement rumours prove true, these matches would carry the emotional weight of a farewell tour.
India will then host South Africa for ODIs in November-December before a busy 2026 white-ball season kicks off.
For over a decade, Kohli and Rohit have defined India’s batting in white-ball cricket. Their simultaneous exits from T20Is in June 2024 and Tests in May 2025 already marked turning points. An ODI retirement this year would officially close one of Indian cricket’s most dominant chapters.
