Uncertainty Surrounds Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Future in One-Day Internationals According to BCCI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has addressed the growing speculation surrounding the ODI future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of India's most iconic cricketers.
Rumours of their potential retirement from the One-Day International (ODI) format have been circulating, particularly after the announcement of a hectic cricket schedule, including multiple Test assignments and a busy T20I season leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, the BCCI has maintained a non-committal stance, focusing on immediate tournaments such as the Asia Cup in September 2025 and the T20 World Cup in early 2026.
The selection of teams, according to the BCCI, will be based on fitness, form, and strategy, rather than rushing decisions about the duo's place in the 2027 ODI World Cup squad. Reports suggest that Rohit and Kohli may need to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India's domestic List A tournament, to remain eligible for the 2027 World Cup, but the board has neither confirmed this nor shown urgency to force the issue.
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been leaders and mentors off the field, guiding young cricketers, and they have shown no signs of slowing down in the ODI format yet. Rohit Sharma holds the record for the highest individual score in an ODI, while Kohli is second only to Sachin Tendulkar in terms of career ODI centuries.
The BCCI's cautious approach is a show of respect for the players' stature and fan base, acknowledging that if the players have plans about their future, they would communicate it to the board. A senior BCCI official has confirmed that the matter will be discussed with both players in due course.
For now, the cricket-loving Indian can continue to watch Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in their blue jerseys for their 50 overs, as they slightly featured in the ODI series against Sri Lanka earlier this year. The BCCI's explanation should, for now, help to counter the rumours about their potential retirement from the ODI format.
Despite the hectic cricket schedule, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might still be looking to make a significant impact in the sports realm, especially in football. After all, their skills in the ODI format have been nothing short of extraordinary, with Rohit Sharma holding the record for the highest individual score.
Should they choose to retire from cricket, it would be interesting to see these iconic cricketers trying their hand at football, given their determination and exceptional talent for sports.
