BCCI Confirms: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Nowhere Near Retirement Yet

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has quashed speculation that the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting October 19, will be the final international outing for star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla emphasised that the decision to retire rests solely with the players, dismissing claims that the series marks their farewell. "To say this would be their last series is absolutely wrong," Shukla told Asian News International (ANI) after India’s seven-wicket victory over West Indies in the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Kohli and Sharma, aged 37 and 38, respectively, remain pivotal to India’s ODI strategy, with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 in sight. Kohli, India’s second-highest ODI run-scorer with 14,181 runs in 302 matches at an average of 57.88, has scored 275 runs in seven ODIs this year. Sharma, the fourth-highest run-getter with 11,168 runs in 273 matches, has contributed 302 runs in eight ODIs in 2025. Both players, now exclusive ODI players after retiring from Tests and T20Is, are expected to anchor India’s batting lineup against a formidable Australian side.

Shukla highlighted the duo’s importance, stating, “Both are great batsmen, and their presence will be key to defeating Australia.” The series follows India’s recent 2-0 Test series win over the West Indies, led by Shubman Gill, which restored confidence after a rare 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand in 2024. The rise of young talents like Shubman Gill, now ODI captain, and India A players such as Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma has sparked discussions about the future of ‘Ro-Ko’, who will be 39 and 40 by the 2027 World Cup.

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Shukla also expressed optimism about India’s prospects in Australia, citing the team’s strong preparation. “Playing the West Indies before Australia is going to make a big difference. I have full hope we will win,” he said. The series, a critical test for India, will showcase whether Kohli and Sharma can continue to dominate on the global stage while mentoring the next generation of Indian cricketers.

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