MUMBAI|AUGUST 23,2025| SKY LINK TIMES
Amid growing speculation about the futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has firmly denied any plans of a farewell series for the two cricketing greats.
Both Kohli and Rohit are currently at pivotal points in their careers. The duo retired from T20 internationals after winning the T20 World Cup last year and stepped away from Test cricket earlier this May. However, they continue to remain active in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), with the upcoming three-match series against Australia set as their next major assignment.
The rumours gained traction after a report earlier this month suggested that the October ODI series in Australia could mark the end of their international careers. Such claims raised doubts about their ambitions for the 2027 ODI World Cup, where Rohit will be 41 and Kohli 39. Despite the age factor, both players have made it clear that they are determined to maintain their fitness and form to compete at the highest level.
Kohli, during the IPL earlier this year, openly stated that his long-term focus is on preparing for the 2027 World Cup. Rohit, too, has not hidden his ambition of adding the only missing ICC white-ball trophy to his illustrious career.
Speaking on the sidelines of the UPT20 during an appearance on the Two Sloggers Podcast, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla was visibly irked by the constant chatter of farewell matches.
“When did they retire? Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will both play one-dayers. So, if they are playing, why are you worried about a farewell series? Yes, they have retired from two formats in phases, but they are playing in ODIs, right? So please don’t get worked up over it,” Shukla clarified.
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He further emphasized BCCI’s stance on player retirements, stating:
“Our policy at BCCI is very clear. We don’t tell any player to retire. A player himself makes that call. He has to decide, and we respect that. We can only decide something when it’s official. Virat Kohli is extremely fit, and Rohit Sharma has been playing so well. Why are you worried about the farewell?”
Focus on Australia Tour
India will play a three-match ODI series in Australia, with games scheduled in Perth (October 19), Adelaide (October 23), and Sydney (October 25). Tickets for the series are already in high demand as fans eagerly await the return of the iconic batting duo in national colors.
With their immediate focus on this tour, Kohli and Rohit are looking to silence speculation with performances on the field. Both have expressed their desire to continue serving Indian cricket and aim for one last shot at World Cup glory in 2027.
For now, the BCCI has made its position clear — there will be no farewell series, only cricket to play.
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