What’s Next for Their ODI Careers?
The Indian cricket landscape is at a vital juncture where two of its most distinguished names- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are now focused exclusively on ODIs. Their radical although collective exits from Tests and T20Is, almost immediately after India’s ICC Champions Trophy victory in March 2025, has understandably created some anticipation about their future in the limited-overs format. According to reports last week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is now planning to have a professional and open dialogue with both superstars regarding their short-term future in ODIs, particularly with the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Why This Conversation and Why Now?
Rohit and Kohli have played very well, achieving close to everything in the world of cricket. Their names will forever be attached to India’s dominance in cricket over the last decade. However, the reality is, they are getting older, Kohli is now 36 years old and Rohit is now 38 years old, and by the time the 2027 World Cup rolls around they will be nearing 40 years old. Naturally, one questions the ability to maintain long-term fitness, stretch and perform to the high standard like in previous years, especially in arguably the most difficult of cricketing roles.
The BCCI has become known for being very pragmatic in its decisions over the past few years and has recognised the importance of transition and succession planning.
As a senior BCCI source noted:
“We still have more than two years for the next World Cup. Both Kohli and Rohit will be pushing 40 by then, so there has to be a clear plan ahead. We also need to try out a few youngsters in time.”
The Nature of the Dialogue: Honest & Respectful
Insiders say it is not a case of Kohli or Rohit being pushed out. The BCCI are just looking for “honest and professional conversations” about where the veterans are mentally and physically going into the ODI cycle. This is not just performance but also motivation and match fitness as they have both moved to just a single format and considerably less international match load.
There is an expectation that both players may be asked to play in domestic competitions such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy to keep match fitness between international series. And when both players have next available for upcoming ODI series against Australia in October and South Africa in November, that will be noted as indicative of form and desire.
The Next Generation: Balancing Legacy with Transition
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The Indian cricketing landscape is witnessing an emergence of a new wave of audacity amongst players such as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The BCCI are thinking towards the 2027 World Cup and requires to merge some youth with Kohli and Rohit’s experience.
As a BCCI official highlighted:
“They have achieved almost everything. Nobody is going to force their hand, but before the start of the next World Cup cycle, there will be professional discussions to see where they stand.”
The Return of Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli: Why Fans Will Have to Wait
As fans eagerly awaited the highly-anticipated return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to India’s ODI status, the wait has been stretched for longer than they had hoped. The question surrounding both Sharma and Kohli’s return plagued discussions for months, namely, would the two veterans get to finally return to ODIs in a white-ball series against Sri Lanka in August 2025. This speculation did not become a certainty until now with official communications from both boards confirming: there will be no India vs Sri Lanka white-ball series this August.
No India-Sri Lanka White-Ball Series in August
- Sri Lanka Cricket had formally invited India for a six-match white-ball tour (three ODIs and three T20Is) following the cancellation of India’s Bangladesh tour.
- This series, if it had happened, might have marked the comeback of Rohit and Kohli, both of whom now play only ODIs for India after retiring from Tests and T20Is.
- BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket have both made it clear there will be no series following the proposal. The main reason was the scheduling problems overlapping with Asia Cup T20 and the challenge to stage a tour in a full schedule.
India’s Next ODI: October 19 vs Australia at Perth
With the closure of the August window, the next possible occasion for theirs fans to see their ODI stalwarts back in action is October 19, 2025, when India takes on Australia at Perth Stadium in the first ODI. This series is a very significant three-match ODI series against Australia, and it is generally viewed as a team evaluation in preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
October ODI Series Details:
- 1st ODI: October 19, 2025 – Perth Stadium, Perth
- 2nd ODI: October 23, 2025 – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- 3rd ODI: October 25, 2025 – Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Why This Delay Matters
The lack of any white-ball action in August particularly following the Test-heavy months means that Rohit and Kohli will both have gone nearly four months without playing international cricket. Given that both players have limited their participation strictly to ODIs, every series missed brings even more attention on:
- Their continuing fitness and match sharpness as the ODI cycle is set to get underway.
- The opportunity for India’s future stars to lay down their stamp of authority, as the team management has put emphasis on transition and succession planning.
What’s Next?
- Once the Asia Cup ends (September 9-28, 2025), India’s next step will be to focus on the Australia tour, which takes place in October.
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both expected to play in this series, it will be a major draw for fans who want to see how India’s ODI legends look on the global stage; also, for selectors to see how hungry they both are.
Final Words
The discussions between the BCCI, and Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, represent a controlled transition phase. Whether both legends will end their careers in blue at the 2027 World Cup is uncertain, what is certain is that Indian cricket is about to undergo a change that will acknowledge the past, while anticipating the future.
“Well said, bro. As a Virat fan, this really hit home. You’ve captured the emotion and respect perfectly. Loved the way you expressed it!”