Ex-India cricketer Aakash Chopra opines on whether Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will retire from ODIs immediately after the final of the Champions Trophy on March 9 in Dubai, it would make perfect sense, but he is not convinced whether they will go for it or not. As India prepares to take on New Zealand in the much-awaited final on March 9 in Dubai, rumors are rising that this could be the last day of the duo in 50-over cricket.
Both Rohit and Kohli had previously said goodbye to T20Is after India won the T20 World Cup in 2024, and people now suspect they might follow a similar route in ODIs. During his recent YouTube video, Aakash Chopra spoke about whether the two might walk away from the format or not, pointing out that considering the next ODI World Cup is set for 2027, it could be a hard choice to remain for another cycle.
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Aakash Chopra’s BOLD Prediction
“It’s entirely up to them. I will be very honest, it’s not going to be easy. In 2025, Kohli’s performance with the bat has been outstanding and Rohit’s has been okay, okay. I won’t say his performance is very good. He might change the scenario by scoring a hundred in the final,” Chopra said.
“The World Cup (ODI) is still two years away, and two years is a long time. Two years is a longer time when you are not playing the T20 format (T20Is) as well, although, to be fair, many ODIs have been kept in the coming 12 months. So they will remain involved,” he added.
Kohli & Rohit’s Performance In Champions Trophy 2025
Virat Kohli has been in magnificent touch, silencing critics who had raised questions about his performances in Test cricket. His efforts have been instrumental in India’s Champions Trophy run, including a match-winning century against Pakistan and a match-winning 84-run score in the semi-final against Australia.
Rohit Sharma, in contrast, has not scored a large number of runs since his century against England during the pre-tournament ODI series. That being said, his top-order aggression has not changed and has continued to give India fast starts in key games.
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Will The Duo Remain In For Another World Cup Cycle?
At 36 and 37 years old, Kohli and Rohit would need to decide whether they can sustain their form and fitness for another three years leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. Their experience, leadership, and skill remain invaluable, but the question is whether they envision themselves competing at the highest level for much longer.
With the Champions Trophy final a possible swan song, Indian cricket may see a huge shift soon, as two of its all-time greatest batters are mulling over their future course of action. Will they quit on a high note, or is there more to their enduring legend? That might be decided after the final battle in Dubai.
