BCCI Dismisses Farewell Talk For Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma
BCCI Shoots Down Farewell Talk For Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have not left international cricket just yet. Both superstars have retired only from Tests and T20Is, and remain available for One-Day Internationals. Even so, a section of fans asked the BCCI to arrange a Sachin Tendulkar-style farewell series for the pair. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla dismissed the idea in blunt fashion, asking, “When did they retire?”
Why The Rumours Started
Kohli and Rohit have not played since India’s Champions Trophy exit in February. India’s next ODI assignment is a three-match series against Australia in October, leaving an eight-month gap without either man on the field. With the 2027 World Cup still two years away, speculation grew that the duo might bow out quietly after the Australia series—fuelled by reports of the selectors grooming younger leaders.
BCCI’s Clear Stand
Speaking on a podcast during the UP T20, Shukla set the record straight.
The board never asks players to retire; the decision is personal.
Both Kohli and Rohit keep Grade A+ central contracts and are “fit and playing well.”
Talk of a farewell is “premature” because they remain part of India’s ODI plans.
Former opener Aakash Chopra echoed the view, calling chatter about them playing domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy matches “bogus,” given their places are secure whenever they are fit.
Retirement Snapshot
Player | Tests | T20Is | ODIs | IPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rohit Sharma | Retired 2025 | Retired 2024 | Active | Active |
Virat Kohli | Retired 2025 | Retired 2024 | Active | Active |
What The Numbers Say
Rohit in 2025 ODIs: 8 matches, 427 runs, average 53.37
Kohli in 2025 ODIs: 7 matches, 386 runs, average 55.14
Their form explains why the selectors still see value in keeping them for the 50-over format.
What Happens Next
India have just nine ODIs scheduled before the next IPL: Australia in October, South Africa in November, and New Zealand in January 2026. The long gaps between series make it unlikely either player will feature in domestic one-day cricket. Instead, both are expected to manage workloads, maintain fitness programmes, and slot straight into the national side when called.
For now, talk of farewell games is on hold; Kohli and Rohit remain key cogs in India’s push towards the 2027 World Cup.