The topic of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirement has once again come into focus. BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has broken his silence on reports that the Australian tour will be Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s last international tour. Rajeev Shukla dismissed all rumors, stating that retirement is a player’s decision. The three-match India vs. Australia ODI series will be played from October 19-25.
What Rajeev Shukla said
Speaking to news agency ANI, Rajeev Shukla said, “It is beneficial for us to have Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the ODI squad as both are great batsmen. With their presence in the team, I think we will be successful in defeating Australia.” On speculations about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s last series, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said, “As far as calling this the last tour for Rohit and Virat is concerned, there is nothing like that. We should never get involved in these things. It is only the players who decide when they want to retire. It is completely wrong to call the Australian tour their last tour.” He also praised Team India for their 2-0 Test series win against the West Indies. He said, “I congratulate the Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, on their Test series win over the West Indies. This victory was crucial for us before going to Australia, as Australia always presents a tough challenge.”
Important win for India
India defeated the West Indies by 7 wickets in the second Test. Team India had won the first Test by a massive margin of an innings and 140 runs. KL Rahul’s half-century of 58 runs on the fifth day of the second Test ensured India’s victory. This marked Team India’s first series win in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
A few days ago, when Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar announced the Indian squad for the Australia tour, he did not give a clear answer on whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would play in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Rohit Sharma will play as a batsman in this ODI series, as Shubman Gill has been announced as the new captain of the Indian ODI team. This will be Gill’s first time captaining the ODI team. Therefore, the Chief Selector’s stance on Virat and Rohit for the 2027 World Cup does not bode well for the careers of both senior players.
