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BCCI Ends Rumors: Kohli & Rohit’s ODI Future Secure; Australia Series Is Not Their Last Dance

Shivansh Rana | 3 min read | 1 day ago | Oct 15, 2025 12:23 pm IST
BCCI Ends Rumors: Kohli & Rohit's ODI Future Secure; Australia Series Is Not Their Last Dance

So, is this really the end of an era for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODI cricket? After months of speculation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally stepped in to clear the air just as the team departs for a high-stakes series against Australia.

Key Takeaways

  • BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla confirmed the Australia series is not the last for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODIs.
  • The decision to retire rests entirely with the players, not the board.
  • Kohli and Sharma are returning to ODI cricket after a long break of approximately 224 days.
  • Shubman Gill has officially taken over as the ODI captain.
  • Former coach Ravi Shastri warns that despite their status, their spot in the 2027 World Cup will depend on current form.

BCCI Puts a Full Stop on Speculation

Look, the rumors were getting out of control. Every cricket fan was asking the same question. But now we have an answer. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla made it crystal clear. He stated that the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia is absolutely not a farewell tour for the two legends. “Decisions about retirement remain solely with the players,” Shukla announced, putting an end to the intense debate.

This is huge. It means both Kohli and Sharma, who have already retired from Test and T20I formats to focus on ODIs, are still very much in the picture. They’re not being pushed out. The choice is theirs and theirs alone.

The Long-Awaited Return Down Under

Can you believe it’s been about 224 days? That’s how long it has been since we last saw Kohli and Sharma in India’s ODI colors, back in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025. Now, they’ve departed with the squad for Australia, ready for a challenging white-ball tour.

Things are a bit different this time, though. Shubman Gill is now leading the side in ODIs. This means Rohit Sharma will be playing purely as a specialist batsman, a role we haven’t seen him in for a long time. The tour kicks off with the first ODI in Perth on October 19, followed by matches in Adelaide and Sydney. After the ODIs, there’s a five-match T20I series, but these two will only feature in the 50-over format.

Expert Analysis: Ravi Shastri’s Reality Check

But honestly, it’s not all smooth sailing. While the BCCI has backed them, former India coach Ravi Shastri dropped a dose of reality. He warned that despite their iconic status, both Kohli and Sharma will face immense selection pressure looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup. According to Shastri, reputation alone won’t be enough. “Current form is crucial,” he said, suggesting they’ll have to consistently prove they still belong.

And he’s got a point. India has a packed schedule with around 27 ODIs planned before the next Future Tours Programme (FTP). This intense calendar means performance will be scrutinized more than ever. The legends have to keep delivering.

So, What Does This All Mean?

It means we get to see two of the greatest ODI players of all time continue to fight for their spot. The Australia series isn’t a goodbye; it’s a new beginning in a new team structure. They’re back to prove their worth under a new captain. Will they dominate Australia on their home turf? All eyes will be on Perth come October 19th. This is going to be good.