Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of India’s most celebrated cricketers, are expected to make their next international appearances in the home ODI series against South Africa, beginning November 30, 2025, in Ranchi.
After the Australia series is completed, both senior players will shift their focus back to the 50-over format, which is now their sole international format. Their participation will be part of India’s broader preparations for upcoming ICC events, especially the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
Kohli and Rohit’s Current International Schedule
- Ranchi – November 30
- Raipur – December 3
- Visakhapatnam – December 6
This series will play a key role in helping India test new combinations and strategies as they look ahead to the next World Cup cycle. In 2025, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma officially retired from Test cricket, having already stepped away from T20Is in 2024.
Retirement From Tests and T20Is
Both players made this decision to manage their workload and extend their careers in the ODI format, a format where they’ve built legendary legacies. Kohli, with over 14,000 ODI runs, remains one of the most consistent batters in world cricket, while Rohit, with more than 11,000 ODI runs and multiple double centuries, continues to be India’s most explosive opener.
Expert Opinion
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra recently highlighted a concern regarding India’s senior players, noting that Kohli and Rohit might get limited match exposure next year.
He said, “With the international calendar being packed with T20s, senior players like Virat and Rohit may only play around 10 ODIs in a year, which could affect their rhythm. They thrive on regular game time.”
Despite that, team management believes their experience and leadership will be crucial, especially in guiding emerging talents like Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Rinku Singh, who are slowly establishing themselves in India’s white-ball setup.
Why the South Africa Series Matters
The upcoming ODI series against South Africa will be India’s final one-day series of 2025 and is seen as a key opportunity to strengthen the middle order, experiment with new combinations, and refine the team balance ahead of 2026.
Having Kohli and Rohit back in the lineup adds much-needed stability, experience, and leadership to India’s batting order. Their presence will also help younger players adapt to the pressures of international cricket.
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Selection and Fitness Outlook
Both players are expected to be selected, provided they remain fit. Earlier reports indicated that they skipped the India A series against Australia A in Kanpur (September-October 2025) to manage workload.
However, sources close to the BCCI have confirmed that Kohli and Rohit have cleared fitness tests and are training under supervision to stay match-ready for the South Africa ODIs.
Given their elite fitness standards and commitment to preparation, fans can expect both to play all three matches, aside from any last-minute injury or rotation decision by selectors.
Looking Ahead
After the South Africa ODIs, Kohli and Rohit’s next international assignment is likely to come in early 2026, when India hosts New Zealand for another limited-overs series.
With both now fully focused on ODIs, every match they play holds greater significance, not just for the team’s results but also for shaping the next generation of Indian cricketers.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are all set to return to international action on November 30, 2025, when India faces South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi. As two of India’s greatest-ever batters enter this new, ODI-focused chapter of their careers, their presence will be crucial in maintaining consistency, guiding young talent, and leading India’s charge toward future ICC glory.
Written by Kinjal Walantra