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.
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.
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.
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.