Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's retirement announced after Champions Trophy 2025

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra opened up about the possibility of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from ODIs after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Aakash Chopra stated that the retirement decision is entirely up to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli but admitted that it would not be an easy one.

Australia batter Steve Smith and Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim announced their retirement from One Day Internationals after their campaigns in the Champions Trophy. There could be the possibility that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might surprise fans with their retirement from ODIs.

Aakash Chopra Opens Up on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ODI Retirement Plans

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra was asked whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. He stated that their retirement after the 2024 T20 World Cup was expected, but retirement from ODIs will leave their future uncertain.

"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," he responded (6:45).

"Someone else even asked me whether they would retire. I said I don't know. Their retirement after winning the T20 World Cup seemed slightly logical and it was along the expected lines. It wasn't shocking, but here if they leave both T20Is and ODIs, only Tests will be left then. Will they go down that route? Who knows," Chopra added.

India Set to Face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy Final in Dubai

India are set to face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai on Sunday, March 9. Virat played a crucial knock of 84 off 98 balls in a four-wicket victory against Australia in the semi-final at the same venue on March 4. Meanwhile, Rohit scored 28 runs off 29 deliveries at the top of the order.

India are unbeaten in the tournament before the final. The Men in Blue defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in the group stage in Dubai. Rohit has scored 104 runs in four innings at an average of 26.00, while Virat, who is India's leading scorer, has amassed 217 runs at an impressive average of 72.33.

The World Cup Is Still Two Years Away - Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra stated that it is difficult to predict whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will participate in the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, he noted that India will play several ODIs in the next 12 months, which will keep them engaged in the format.

"The World Cup 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 said in the same video.

Virat Kohli was part of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squad, while Rohit Sharma has yet to win the prestigious tournament. Both players might aim to win the 2027 ODI World Cup together, depending on their form and fitness over the next two years.

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