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Will RO-KO Play their Last ODI Cricket Against Australia Series?
Updated - 15-OCT-2025 7:58 IST
After leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from both Test cricket and T20 internationals in May 2025. Virat Kohli has also stopped playing Test cricket and T20Is and is now only playing ODIs.
The upcoming ODI series against Australia (October–November 2025) has generated conjecture and media/fan discussion that it may be the final ODI series for the two great batsmen.
In the Champions Trophy 2025 Final, Rohit said that "I'm not going to retire from this format, just to make sure that no rumors are spread going forward," he said at the press conference after India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the final.
What does BCCI say?
Rajeev Shukla, vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has categorically refuted that Rohit and Kohli's time in the Australia ODI series is their final one. He stated:
“To say this would be their last series is absolutely wrong. … It is up to the players when they would retire.”.
The Australia journey will help evaluate form, fitness, hunger, etc., according to senior figures like Ravi Shastri. Rohit and Kohli will then decide how they want to go.
What suggests it could be their last series?
- Compared to their previous multi-format career, they are bound to play fewer matches now that they are "one-format" players (only playing ODIs).
- By the 2027 ODI World Cup, Rohit will be about 40 and Kohli about 39, making them both very senior. Age, shape, and fitness become important factors.
- Some supporters and analysts think they might decide to scale back or quit if their form deteriorates or their fitness becomes a problem.
No confirmed evidence says “yes, this will definitely be their last ODI series.” The BCCI says the speculation is incorrect. But all signs point to the Australia series being very important — perhaps one of the final ODI tours for Rohit and Kohli, rather than definitely the last.