Speculation is growing over the ODI futures of India’s star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, with reports suggesting that their upcoming tour of Australia in October could be their last in the format. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified that no final decision has been made yet.
BCCI’s Stand: “No Hurry to Decide”
A senior BCCI official told media outlets that the board is not rushing into any conclusion regarding the duo’s ODI careers. The official confirmed that, as with their Test retirements, any decision would be communicated directly by Kohli or Rohit if they plan to step away from the format.
The official said, “If Rohit and Kohli have any plans in mind, they would inform the BCCI leadership, just as they did before the England Test tour,” Emphasising that the current priority is on the upcoming Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.
Domestic Cricket May Hold the Key
According to sources, if Kohli and Rohit wish to continue in ODIs, they may need to play domestic List A matches to maintain form and fitness. This could include representing their state sides in the Vijay Hazare Trophy or turning out for India A in preparation for future ODI assignments.
Age and Scheduling Concerns
By the time of the 2027 ODI World Cup, Kohli will be 39 and Rohit close to 40. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly noted that with India playing only around 15 ODIs per year, the ageing factor and physical demands could become significant challenges. Some insiders believe the BCCI may gradually shift focus toward younger players, as seen in recent Test team selections.
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Support for Their Continuation
Despite the uncertainty, newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir has backed both players to continue until 2027 if they remain fit and motivated. Ganguly has also publicly stated that Kohli and Rohit should keep playing as long as their performances remain at the highest level.
What Lies Ahead
For now, the ball appears to be in Kohli and Rohit’s court. Their performances in the Australia series, and whether they are willing to commit to domestic cricket, could play a major role in determining if they will be part of India’s plans for the next ODI cycle.
Key Points
- No decision yet on Kohli and Rohit’s ODI futures.
- Domestic cricket participation may be required to stay in contention.
- Age, workload, and youth policy could influence future selections.
- Coach Gambhir and Sourav Ganguly back their continuation if fit.
Conclusion
For now, there is no official confirmation about the end of the “Ro-Ko” era in ODIs. The decision will likely depend on the players’ own plans, their willingness to play domestic cricket, and how they perform in upcoming series. Until then, the possibility of seeing Kohli and Rohit in India’s ODI colours remains very much alive.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
