Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could bring curtains to their international career soon, as an ODI retirement could not be far away. While both have expressed their desire to play the 2027 World Cup, doubts have emerged on that, with the BCCI reportedly putting a strict condition.
Rohit sharma and Virat Kohli’s dreams of playing the 2027 Cricket World Cup might not get a chance, as after quitting T20I and Test cricket over the last year, the legendary duo could also bid adieu to ODI Cricket and bring curtains on their international career.
As per a report by Dainak Jagran, Rohit and Virat are not in India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup, with young players waiting in the wings. It is stated that the senior duo do not fit into the team management’s strategy for the mega tournament.
The report also claims that Rohit will be given a chance to play his last series as captain in Australia, while both he and Virat can bid adieu to the sport together.
The published information states that the upcoming tour of Australia could be the last series for both Rohit and Virat, who could announce their retirement beforehand. It is further reported that if Rohit and Virat want to stay in the ODI side beyond the Australia series, they must play the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT)
For those unversed, VHT is the annual List A (50-over cricket) domestic competition in India, which sees each state take part. Rohit will play for Mumbai while Virat will don the Delhi jersey if they do decide to play in the competition.
The 2025-26 edition is scheduled to start from 25th December with the last group stage game on 8th January At this point, the Indian team have no international assignment scheduled. The knockout stages will begin on 12th January with the final set to take place on 18th January, which will directly clash with India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand from 11th to 18th January.
Talking about the Australia tour, which could see Rohit and Virat retire as per the report, the Men in Blue will play three ODIs on October 19, 23, and 25 in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney, respectively.
Rohit and Virat last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where both played a key role in helping India lift the trophy.
The legendary duo are two of the greatest ODI batters of all time from across the world. Virat has played 302 matches and scored 14181 runs at an average of 57.88 with a record 51 centuries. On the other hand, Rohit has featured in 273 games and made 11168 runs while averaging 48.76 with 32 centuries. He is the only player with multiple double hundreds in the ODI format, having crossed the milestone an unprecedented three times.
