BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has dismissed talks of a farewell series of sorts for India ODI captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli when they gear up for an Australia 50-overs tour in October, adding that ‘we will cross the bridge when we get there’.
Rumour mills and reports post India’s recent Test tour to England suggested that the team management could take a call on the future of the two batting stalwarts post the three ODIs in Australia between October 19 and 25. However, Shukla dismissed all such talks and affirmed that both Rohit and Kohli remain very much in the 50-over scheme of things as the Men in Blue charter their plans for the next ODI World Cup in late 2027.
‘Already arranging a farewell!’
“They haven’t retired, haven’t they? Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are both playing One-Dayers. They haven’t taken retirement, so why are you talking and worrying about their farewell? Retirement from two formats, that’s the phases, but they are still playing ODIs. Don’t worry this much. BCCI policy is quite clear; we won’t ask anyone to retire, they have to make their decisions themselves. He has to take that call, and we respect that,” Rajeev Shukla said in a video shared by the UPT20 League.
What’s next for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?
Shri Rajeev Shukla @ShuklaRajiv (Vice President, BCCI; Director, Asian Cricket Council; MP, Rajya Sabha) shares his thoughts in a very special episode of Long Off Lounge.
Now live on YouTube — https://t.co/Z5oxTzCbrL@UPCACricket |… pic.twitter.com/srflE3Bc9M
— UP T20 League (@t20uttarpradesh) August 22, 2025
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“We’ll cross the bridge when we come to it. You are already arranging their farewell! Virat Kohli is very fit, and Rohit Sharma plays very well. Why are you worried about their farewell?” Shukla said in response to the hosts’ query on a potential farewell match.
Rohit and Kohli last represented India during the victorious Champions Trophy compeition in the United Arab Emirates. While Kohli played a match-winning knock in the semi-finals against and racked up a century against Pakistan in the group-stage, Rohit lit up the final against New Zealand in Dubai, with his sparkling 76 leading India to their first ICC ODI title win in 12 years.
