Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli Likely to Feature in ODIs vs Australia – Future Hinges on Domestic Play. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to be part of India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia. However, their long-term future in the 50-over format now rests largely in their own hands.
Following their retirement from Test cricket, speculation has been rife about the duo’s ODI plans. Several reports even suggested that the three-match series in October could mark their farewell from the format, despite both expressing interest in playing the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.
Fresh updates indicate that the road to the 2027 World Cup won’t be simple for the two stalwarts. To remain in contention, they will likely need to participate in domestic one-day cricket, particularly the Vijay Hazare Trophy. If they skip it, the Australia ODIs could be their final appearance in the format.
BCCI’s Possible Shift from Rohit & Kohli Driven by Young Talent Depth
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering phasing out Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the national setup, with the rise of a new generation of talented players influencing the decision. Selectors are said to be planning with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 cycle in mind.
The upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, scheduled for December, will likely feature both senior stalwarts, as the BCCI has asked them to participate. Earlier this year, after India’s tour of Australia, both were urged to play the Ranji Trophy, but a few months later, they stepped away from the format.
If the BCCI does move on from them, it would mark a major shift for Indian cricket, given that Rohit and Kohli have been the backbone of the batting lineup for over a decade. Their most recent ODI appearance came in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they played pivotal roles in India’s title win.
Following the ODI series against Australia, India is set to face South Africa at home in December. The 2026 ODI calendar includes series against New Zealand (January), Afghanistan (June), England (July), the West Indies (September), and another series against New Zealand (October).