Kohli & Sharma’s ODI Future: BCCI Official Shuts Down Retirement Rumours

Kohli & Sharma’s ODI Future : The cricketing world has been abuzz with speculation about the future of Indian batting icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the One-Day International format. With both stalwarts having retired from T20 Internationals, their focus, alongside Test cricket, has shifted solely to ODIs. Recent media reports suggested that the duo, often referred to as “ROKO” (Rohit-Kohli), might announce their retirement from ODI cricket following India’s tour of Australia later this year.

However, a top official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has now stepped in to categorically dismiss these rumours, putting all speculation to rest.

BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla Sets the Record Straight

In a firm and clear statement, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla addressed the swirling rumours head-on. He emphasized that since both players are still active and contributing to the ODI squad, talk of a farewell series is entirely premature and unfounded.

Shukla reiterated the BCCI’s longstanding policy, stating, “The BCCI never asks any player to retire. It is their own decision to make. You only cross the bridge when you come to it. Why are you all arranging a farewell already?”

He further praised the current form and fitness of both legends, adding, “Virat Kohli is one of the fittest players. Rohit Sharma is playing well. Why are you all getting worried about a farewell now?”

Fact Check: The Staggering ODI Legacy of ROKO

The rumours seem even more surprising when considering the monumental statistics and current form of both players in the ODI arena.

• Virat Kohli: The 36-year-old has played 302 ODIs, amassing a staggering 14,181 runs at an astonishing average of 57.88. His record includes 51 centuries and 74 half-centuries, cementing his place as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time.

• Rohit Sharma: The 38-year-old captain has featured in 273 ODIs, scoring 11,168 runs at an impressive average of 48.76. Known for his explosive batting, Rohit has hammered 32 centuries and 58 fifties, including a world-record individual score of 264.

Their records underscore that they remain invaluable assets to the Indian team’s middle order and leadership.

Looking Ahead: The Australia ODI Series in October 2025

Instead of a farewell, the focus for Kohli and Sharma is firmly set on the upcoming cricketing calendar. The Indian team is scheduled to tour Australia in October 2025 for a three-match ODI series, which will be a crucial part of the team’s preparation for future ICC events.

The schedule for the series is as follows:

• 1st ODI: October 19, 2025, at Optus Stadium, Perth

• 2nd ODI: October 23, 2025, at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

• 3rd ODI: October 25, 2025, at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

Fans can expect to see Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma leading the charge for India in this exciting contest down under, as they continue to build on their legendary ODI careers