Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future in One Day Internationals (ODIs) has become one of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket. With the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa less than two years away, fans are wondering if these two legends will still be part of India’s plans.
On August 10, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gave an update that calmed some of the rumours, saying there are no current talks about dropping them or forcing them to retire from ODIs.
BCCI’s Official Stand
A BCCI official told PTI that the board is not rushing into any decision about Rohit Sharma or Kohli. The focus right now is on the Asia Cup later this year and the T20 World Cup in February 2026.
This comes after several media reports claimed that the three-match ODI series against Australia in October 2025 could be their last. Some of those reports even suggested that the BCCI has told both players they must take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s domestic 50-over competition , if they want to keep their ODI spots.
While the board has not confirmed this requirement officially, similar rules have been applied before. Before retiring from Tests, both Rohit and Kohli were asked to play in the Ranji Trophy to prove their match fitness and form.
The BCCI made it clear that, for now, both are available for selection and that any big decisions will be taken only after open and professional talks with the players themselves.
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Why the Rumours Started
The retirement speculation is linked to two main factors , age and long-term planning for the 2027 World Cup. By then, Rohit Sharma will be 40 and Kohli will be 39. Both are still delivering strong performances, but the selectors also want to prepare younger players for the future.
The reported Vijay Hazare Trophy condition is seen as a way to ensure that even senior players stay match-ready and show commitment to the ODI format.
Experts Support Experience Over Age
Many former cricketers believe that age should not be the only deciding factor.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly said:
“If they are doing well, they should play. Age should not be the reason to drop them. Rohit Sharma’s ODI record is amazing and so is Kohli’s.”
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla also recently said that both players remain available for all upcoming ODIs, which matches the board’s current approach.
History also shows how valuable experience can be. During the 2011 ODI World Cup selection, some selectors reportedly did not want Yuvraj Singh in the squad because of his poor form in 2010. However, then-captain MS Dhoni insisted on his inclusion, backing Yuvraj’s big-match temperament. That decision proved crucial, Yuvraj went on to play a match-winning role in the tournament and was named Player of the Series as India lifted the trophy.
Upcoming Australia Series Could Be Key
The three-match ODI series against Australia in October 2025 is now being seen as a possible turning point. The matches will be played in Perth (Oct 19), Adelaide (Oct 23), and Sydney (Oct 25).
If the reported Vijay Hazare Trophy rule is enforced, this series, followed by the domestic tournament could decide whether Rohit Sharma and Kohli remain in the ODI setup for much longer. Their performances will be under a microscope
Records That Speak Volumes
Their ODI careers have been nothing short of extraordinary:
- Rohit Sharma: 273 ODIs, 11,168 runs, average 48.76, 32 centuries.
- Virat Kohli: 302 ODIs, 14,181 runs, average 57.88, 51 centuries.
These numbers show why it’s so hard for selectors and fans to imagine an Indian ODI side without them. Rohit Sharma and Kohli played a big part in India’s Champions Trophy win earlier this year. Rohit scored a vital half-century in the final, while Kohli hit a memorable century against Pakistan in the group stage.
Talk of New Captaincy Options
While no leadership changes have been announced, some former players, including Sunil Gavaskar and Mohammad Kaif, have backed Shubman Gill as a future ODI captain. Gill’s superb form in the recent Test series against England, where he scored 754 runs and won the Player of the Series, has made him a strong candidate for the role when the time comes. There are also reports that he could be appointed as the vice-captain for the upcoming Asia Cup.
What Lies Ahead
For now, RO-KO remain key members of India’s ODI team. The BCCI’s calm and patient approach suggests that any retirement or transition will be decided together with the players, not forced on them.
But as the Australia series gets closer, every innings will be closely watched. If they also take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, it will be a clear sign that they want to keep playing ODIs.
Whether they continue until the 2027 World Cup or decide to step aside earlier, their contributions to Indian cricket are already legendary. What’s certain is that the debate over their ODI future will keep going, and all eyes will be on them when they walk out to bat in Perth this October, with fans eager to see both of them back on the field.