Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of India’s greatest cricket players, are at an important stage in their careers. Right now, both of them only play in the One Day International (ODI) format. They have already stepped away from Tests and T20 internationals. Their retirement from T20Is came right after India won the 2024 T20 World Cup. Soon after, they also announced their retirement from Test cricket, just before the squad for the India–England Test series was made public.
Because of this, fans and experts are wondering what lies ahead for these two legends in ODIs and how long they will continue to play.
Cricket: Ravi Bishnoi’s Thoughts
Indian spinner Ravi Bishnoi admitted that he was surprised when the two senior players announced their retirements. Speaking in an interview on Gamechangers, Bishnoi explained how he felt.
“It was shocking,” he said. “As a fan, you always want to see such legends retire on the field, in front of the crowd. That feels more natural. What they have done for Indian cricket is unmatched, and in my view, no one comes close.”
He added that he hopes both Kohli and Rohit get a proper farewell in ODIs when they finally decide to quit the game. “No one else can decide for them it’s a personal choice. But their decision did create a sudden gap. Two spots opened up in the team, and the question is, who will take those places?”
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Cheteshwar Pujara’s Perspective
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara also spoke about Kohli and Rohit’s futures during The Indian Express Idea Exchange. He said that players of their experience and quality don’t need advice.
“I don’t have to guide them,” Pujara said. “They are two of the best white-ball players in the world. Even if they are playing just ODIs now, they know exactly what is expected of them.”
Pujara explained that both players will leave international cricket only when they feel they cannot give their best. “Look at their records,” he said. “They know the demands of the game. As long as they are fit and motivated, they can play for many more years.”
Bigger Question
Main uncertainty is not whether Kohli and Rohit will keep performing they have proven themselves many times but when they will choose to stop. Their departure will create a big gap in Indian cricket, and naturally, young players will have to step up. Both Bishnoi and Pujara believe that the decision should rest only with the players themselves.
For fans, however, the bigger desire is to see them celebrated when they retire, ideally in a match setting, so that supporters can give them a grand farewell for all they have contributed to Indian cricket.
Rising Talent: Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Alongside the discussion about the two stars, Ravi Bishnoi also highlighted the talent of a young cricketer, Vaibhav Suryavanshi. At just 14 years old, Vaibhav has already made headlines.
Bishnoi pointed out that Vaibhav broke an age-group record in England by scoring the fastest century. He also impressed in the Indian Premier League (IPL), smashing a century in only 34–35 balls. “That’s not easy,” Bishnoi said. “Even top players struggle to do it. For someone so young to achieve this shows his hard work and commitment.”
Conclusion
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are still icons of the game, and while their Test and T20I careers have ended, they remain active in ODIs. Their retirements shocked teammates and fans alike, but respect for their achievements is universal. Both Ravi Bishnoi and Cheteshwar Pujara emphasized that the timing of their farewell should be entirely up to them.
At the same time, cricket is moving forward, with rising stars like Vaibhav Suryavanshi showing promise. The future of Indian cricket will be shaped both by the legends who are stepping away and by the new generation preparing to take their place.
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