Indian captain Rohit Sharma and former captain Virat Kohli left T20 International cricket after the T20 World Cup 2024 and also stopped playing Test cricket before the England tour. Now, they play only ODI cricket. But it may be hard for them to play only this format in the future. Even though both players think about the 2027 World Cup, the team management has made its plan clear. The Australia tour in October may be the last for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Rohit and Virat were going to play a three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in August, but that tour was canceled. Now, the next tour for India is to Australia for three ODIs. It is possible this will be the last international tour and series for Rohit and Virat. A report in Dainik Jagran says the team management does not see them in the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Condition for Rohit and Virat to Stay in ODIs
If Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma want to stay in the ODI team after the Australia tour, they have to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy after October. If they do not play, the ODI series against Australia can be their last. The team management and selectors may tell this to them before the Australia series.
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be in October-November. At that time, Rohit and Virat will be about 40 years old. Young players are doing well in Test and T20 cricket. This may put pressure on Rohit and Virat to retire from ODI cricket.