Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s Retirement Rumours Squashed By BCCI Ahead Of Australia Tour

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla rejected speculation about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s impending retirement, asserting their value to the team ahead of the Australia tour.

In a strong endorsement of veteran batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has dismissed claims that the upcoming white-ball series in Australia would mark their final international appearance. Shukla emphasized that retirement remains entirely the players’ decision and backed the duo to play crucial roles in India’s campaign.

Speaking after India’s Test series victory against West Indies in Delhi, Shukla addressed the growing speculation surrounding the future of the two batting legends. “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,” Shukla told ANI.

The statement comes amid significant transition in Indian cricket, with Rohit Sharma recently being replaced by Shubman Gill as ODI captain. Both Kohli and Rohit have retired from Test and T20I cricket but appear focused on extending their ODI careers, potentially targeting the 2027 World Cup despite being nearly 40 by then.

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Indian captain Shubman Gill echoed Shukla’s sentiments, expressing full confidence in the experienced duo. “Expectations, I mean, they are someone who have won so many matches for us in the past and they have been playing for 10-15 years. They have won matches with the experience they bring to the table. That’s what we are looking forward to, just want them to go out there and do their thing. Do their magic,” Gill stated on JioHotstar.

With limited ODI matches scheduled over the next eighteen months, both veterans are expected to participate in domestic List-A cricket, beginning with the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy season. The Australia ODI series commences on October 19, marking Kohli and Rohit’s return to international cricket after several months away from competitive play.