Two of India’s greatest ODI cricketers, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, may be nearing the end of their 50-over careers. With the 2027 ODI World Cup still over two years away, reports suggest that the October ODI series in Australia could be a potential farewell for the iconic duo as the BCCI begins shaping its long-term plans.
Signs of Change
Kohli and Rohit, who retired from T20Is in 2024 and Test cricket earlier this year, have been absent from competitive action in recent months. Their lack of match practice has fueled speculation about their future in the ODI format.
The pair has enjoyed tremendous success over the years, and even in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which India won, Kohli scored 218 runs in five matches, while Rohit added 180. Despite talk of retirement after that tournament, neither player made an official announcement.
BCCI’s Options & Possible Farewell
India has 27 ODIs scheduled before the 2027 World Cup, along with the Asia Cup in the same format. According to reports, the Australian series could serve as a symbolic send-off if the selectors decide to move forward with a younger core.
Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly was non-committal when asked, stating:
“Whoever does well will play. If they do well, they should continue. Kohli’s One-day record is phenomenal, even Rohit’s. Both are phenomenal in white-ball cricket.”
The Road Ahead
If Rohit and Kohli aim to continue beyond October, they may need to play domestic one-day cricket, such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and participate in A-series matches against Australia and South Africa. At this stage in their careers, the question is whether they are willing to commit to that grind.
Former India opener Devang Gandhi believes the next generation — including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Sai Sudharshan — has already proved they can handle international pressure. He also stressed the importance of preparation:
“If, in a year’s time, one of them isn’t performing, the team might not have enough time to groom a replacement.”
The Captaincy Factor
Shubman Gill, currently Test captain, has emerged as India’s most consistent ODI batsman with an average of 59.04 and a strike rate of 99.56. Many see him as the natural successor for the ODI captaincy, should Rohit step aside.
As Gandhi put it:
“There’s no doubt about the contribution of Rohit and Virat. But time doesn’t wait for anybody.”
Whether October’s ODIs in Australia will truly be the final chapter for ‘Ro-Ko’ remains to be seen — but Indian cricket appears to be quietly preparing for life beyond its two modern greats.
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