The Indian Cricket Team has been undergoing a rapid transition phase, especially in the Test format, as both the star players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirements in May 2025. But it is likely that another transition might be coming in the ODI setup as well. With a fresh crop of youngsters emerging and given their consistent performances, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s place in the ODIs is difficult to remain intact.
Uncertainty Looms Over Virat Kohi & Rohit Sharma’s ODI Future
Even though Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma made it clear that they want to play the 2027 ODI World Cup, the uncertainty still looms large. According to a report by PTI, a discussion will be conducted about the duo’s future as they’ll be touching 40 by the time the ODI World Cup arrives.
“Yes, it will be discussed soon. We still have more than two years for the next World Cup (November 2027). Both Kohli and Rohit will be pushing 40 by then, so there has to be a clear plan ahead for the big event as our last win was in 2011. We also need to try out a few youngsters in time,” a source told PTI
“Look, both Kohli and Rohit have made huge contributions to white ball cricket for the team and the sport in general. They have achieved almost everything. So, I don’t think anybody is going to force their hand, but there will be some honest and professional conversations before the next ODI cycle starts to see where they stand mentally and physically. It depends on that,” the source added.
Very Less ODI Matches Scheduled
The biggest challenge is the inadequate ODI calendar. Between now and the end of December 2026, India are scheduled to play only 27 ODIs, spaced out between Test and T20I series. With both Kohli and Rohit having taken a break from the other forms of the game, their periodic appearances in ODIs could cause them to lose rhythm or struggle to find form.
Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma’s Next ODI Appearance
Their next probable appearances will be in October, when India tour Australia for a three-match ODI series and five T20Is. The Indian and South African teams then meet in three ODIs in November, followed by another three against New Zealand between November and December. Though the intervals between the series may not look that big, for two cricketers at the fag end of their careers, game time and consistency are more important than ever before.
Finally, the decision to go after the 2027 World Cup will not be left in the hands of the BCCI or solely in the hands of Rohit and Kohli. The decision will ultimately depend on whether the two legends are still a part of India’s changing ODI blueprint – something that will be decided not on legacy, but on performance and flexibility.
