Indian cricket fans are buzzing with one big question will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retire soon? The upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting on October 19, 2025, could be a defining moment for two of India’s biggest cricket legends. This will be their first international assignment since the Champions Trophy 2025, and possibly, their last dance in the 50-over format.
Both Kohli and Rohit have already stepped away from T20 internationals and Test cricket, signaling that the twilight of their illustrious careers might be near. With the next ODI World Cup scheduled for 2027, nearly two years away, the Indian team management now faces a crucial decision should they continue with the veterans or begin preparing a new generation of players?
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Are Kohli and Rohit Nearing the End?
Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who has shared the dressing room with both stars for years, recently spoke candidly about their future on his YouTube channel. According to him, it’s undeniable that Kohli and Rohit are in the final phase of their careers.
“On one side is selection, and on the other side are Kohli and Rohit two sides of the same coin,” Ashwin said. “The selectors have made it clear that the team is moving forward. Whether we like it or not, these two are at the back end of their careers. But the way senior players are handled should be better. It’s easy for fans or officials to say they are old and should retire, but there’s more to it than that.”
Ashwin highlighted how fans often get carried away by the success of young IPL players, assuming they can instantly replace legends like Kohli and Rohit. However, he emphasized that cricket transitions require clear communication and proper knowledge transfer between generations something he feels Indian cricket needs to improve.
Communication Is Key
Ashwin also questioned the timing of discussions between the players and the selectors. He believes that talks about their ODI future should have happened immediately after the 2024 T20 World Cup, when both players announced their T20I retirements.
“I really hope the conversation has happened with Virat and Rohit,” Ashwin said. “But if it’s happening only now, why not after the 2024 T20 World Cup? Had it happened back then, they could have made better decisions about continuing or stepping away. The team’s direction should have been communicated clearly.”
According to Ashwin, the current silence from both players and the selectors is creating unnecessary speculation and confusion among fans. Lack of transparency leaves everyone guessing are Kohli and Rohit being phased out, or will they play till the 2027 World Cup?
“When there’s no clear communication, it leaves room for rumors,” Ashwin added. “Considering how much Kohli and Rohit have contributed to Indian cricket, they deserve open and respectful conversations about their future. This should be a standard practice for all senior players.”
What Lies Ahead for Indian Cricket
As India prepares to face Australia in this much-awaited ODI series, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Their performances could play a key role in shaping not only the outcome of the series but also their international futures.
If both perform well, the selectors might extend their run in ODIs until at least 2026. But if India chooses to rebuild, this series might mark the beginning of the end of an iconic era in Indian cricket.
Regardless of what happens next, there’s no denying the impact Kohli and Rohit have had. From countless records to unforgettable innings, they’ve defined Indian cricket for over a decade. As fans, we can only hope that whatever decision comes whether retirement or continuation it happens with respect, clarity, and proper communication.
For now, all eyes are on October 19, when the two legends take the field once again. Will this be their farewell series, or just another chapter in their incredible story? Only time will tell.
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