BCCI to make final call on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's future after South Africa ODIs

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly planning a review meeting involving the selectors, captain, coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Notably, the discussion will focus on veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and their future, with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Rohit and Virat last played for India in the ODI series in Australia, where the visitors lost 1-2. The pair returned to the side after a gap of nearly seven months following the Champions Trophy 2025 final. Kohli registered back-to-back ducks in the first two games, but the duo guided the team to a win in the final match.

BCCI to Hold Meeting on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Future

According to a report by the Times of India, senior BCCI officials, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar will meet in Ahmedabad after the third ODI next week in Visakhapatnam.

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The discussion is expected to provide clarity on the roles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, while the management is also likely to evaluate potential backups. A BCCI source noted that players of their stature deserve a clear understanding of expectations instead of playing under uncertainty.

“It is very important that players of Rohit and Kohli’s stature are given clarity about what is expected of them and how the current management views their roles. They can’t just be playing with uncertainty,” a BCCI source said.

BCCI Urges Rohit Sharma to Focus on Fitness Amid Future Speculation

The report added that the BCCI has advised Rohit Sharma to concentrate on fitness and performance without reacting to speculations about his future. During the upcoming discussion with the two senior batters, the board plans to outline the concerns raised by the selectors and team management.

Maintaining peak fitness is challenging for Rohit and Virat Kohli since they play only one format. Although both scored in the final ODI against Australia, officials felt the series was already beyond reach.

“They did score runs in the third ODI in Australia. But the series was already lost and the match was set up by the bowlers in the first innings. They looked rusty in the first two matches. One can’t afford that in every series,” a source said.

Team Expect Rohit Sharma to Maintain his Aggressive Batting Approach

Team management believes Rohit Sharma needs to maintain his attacking style, as he appeared more cautious and took longer to settle in Australia. Rohit and Virat Kohli are expected to set the tone for the batting group at the top, helping the younger players around them feel more secure.

“It is expected that he continues to lead by example as a fearless batter at the top of the order. The conditions were tough in Australia but it did look like he was avoiding taking risks. Both are expected to lead the batting to make it easier for the rest of the younger batters around them,” said sources.

The board expects Virat and Rohit to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy next month. Before the season concludes, India have a home ODI series against New Zealand in January, followed by their next major 50-over assignment, a three-match tour of England in July.

Also read: Abhimanyu Easwaran out of India’s plans, 5 new players given entry! Gautam Gambhir's authority lost