The BCCI has officially clarified that the upcoming Australia tour will not mark the end of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s international careers.
Ro-Ko’s Future: The Spotlight on Virat Kohli and Rohit Ahead of Australia Tour
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — two names that continue to dominate the discourse in Indian cricket. Once in a generation, players emerge who transcend the game itself, and while that debate stands on its own, there’s no denying that Kohli and Rohit remain the focal point even as India celebrates a 2-0 win over West Indies and prepares for a challenging tour of Australia. Despite India’s upcoming Test battles Down Under, where they lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year, all eyes are fixed on the much-awaited return of the iconic Ro-Ko duo, who have overshadowed everything else happening in world cricket.
Since their retirement from Test cricket in May, discussions about Kohli and Rohit’s future have intensified. With both having stepped away from two formats already, questions loom large over their ODI careers. BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir have remained tight-lipped about their inclusion in India’s 2027 World Cup plans. Reports even suggested that the upcoming three-match ODI series in Australia might serve as their farewell, though nothing has been confirmed. For now, the two stalwarts appear determined to chase one final shot at glory when the next World Cup in Africa arrives two years from now.
BCCI shares encouraging news
In a major boost for Indian cricket fans, it now appears that the Australia tour is far from being Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s last assignment for India. The Men in Blue have a packed ODI calendar ahead of the 2027 World Cup — 27 matches already scheduled, with more expected once the next FTP is released. Between now and January, India will play nine ODIs, and both Kohli and Rohit are expected to feature in all of them, fitness and form permitting.
Reflecting this confidence, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla dismissed speculation about the duo’s imminent retirement. Speaking to ANI in Delhi after India’s 7-wicket win over West Indies, Shukla said, “It is going to benefit us a lot. They are great batsmen. We will succeed in defeating Australia with them in the team. It is absolutely wrong to say that this is their last ODI series. It depends on the players as to when they have to retire.”
His statement all but confirms that Virat Kohli and Rohit are here to stay — at least for the foreseeable future — as India continues its preparation for the road to the 2027 World Cup.
Watch the video below:
#WATCH | Delhi: On India's 2-0 win series over West Indies, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla says, "I congratulate team India that under Shubman Gill, we defeated West Indies. This was very important before embarking on the Australian tour. This will help us in Australia…"
— ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2025
On… pic.twitter.com/hOtuJ9NRyY
How have Virat Kohli and Rohit performed in Australia?
If there’s one country where Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are almost destined to shine, it’s Australia. Both batting greats have consistently dominated the Aussies in their own backyard, particularly in ODIs. Kohli, in 29 matches, has amassed 1,327 runs at an impressive average of 51.04, including five centuries. Rohit, on the other hand, slightly edges him with 1,328 runs from 30 ODIs, also registering five hundreds at an even better average of 53.12.
As India gears up for the highly anticipated series, Kohli has already arrived in Delhi — his first visit back home since June — and is set to depart for Australia tomorrow. Rohit is expected to join him in Delhi today, linking up with the rest of the squad before they embark on another promising chapter Down Under.
