BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has put an end to the retirement rumors swirling around Indian cricket’s two biggest icons, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Shukla made it clear that both players are active, fit, and still an integral part of India’s ODI setup. He emphasized that there is no farewell planned and no pressure from the board for them to step aside.
Speaking to the media, Shukla said, “When did they retire? Both are still playing ODIs. If they are playing, why talk about farewells? Our policy is simple: we never ask anyone to retire; the player decides when the time is right.”
The speculation around their future gained traction after Kohli and Rohit announced retirements from T20 internationals post the 2024 T20 World Cup and Kohli also ended his Test career earlier this year. Many assumed ODIs would be the next to go, with some fans even requesting farewell matches. Shukla dismissed such ideas, highlighting that both cricketers remain in prime form and fitness.
Kohli, regarded as one of the fittest players in world cricket, continues to deliver consistent performances across formats, while Rohit’s leadership in ODIs has been a key factor in India’s recent successes. Shukla further stated that the duo’s experience will be invaluable in the immediate future, especially with a packed ODI calendar ahead.
India’s upcoming tour of Australia in October for a three-match ODI series will likely feature both stalwarts, reaffirming their importance to the team’s strategy. Looking ahead, they remain central to India’s white-ball ambitions leading up to major ICC events, including the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The message is clear: Kohli and Rohit are not done yet. While the day of their ODI retirement will eventually come, for now, they are still setting standards and carrying the team’s hopes. Fans can continue to enjoy two of India’s modern greats in action, shutting down all talks of an imminent farewell.
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