BCCI rubbishes retirement rumours: Virat and Rohit will play against Australia

NEW DELHI: The BCCI has dismissed the rumours that star cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will retire from ODI cricket after the upcoming bilateral series against Australia in October. Sources close to the BCCI clarified there are no immediate discussions on the duo’s retirement, adding that the current priority is building a strong squad for the Asia Cup next month and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Kohli and Rohit have been absent from competitive cricket since the conclusion of IPL 2025, devoting their time to fitness training. According to the BCCI, Kohli is currently undergoing training in London, while Rohit is likely to resume practice in the coming days.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly said that if Kohli and Rohit maintain their current form, they should continue playing ODIs for India. He added that their future decisions should be based on their consistent performance in the format.

India will play a three-match ODI series against Australia from October 19 to 25, followed by a home series against South Africa in November. The 2027 ODI World Cup is scheduled for October–November.