Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma central contracts under massive threat if..

Indian batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli face threats to their central contracts despite their inclusion in the squad for the Australia tour. Notably, the BCCI previously removed players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from central contracts after they skipped matches for their respective domestic teams.

Rohit and Virat are set to feature for Team India in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, scheduled to take place from October 19 to October 25. The two veterans will now represent the India National Cricket Team only in the one-day format, having retired from T20Is and Test cricket.

Rohit Sharma Removed as India’s ODI Captain, Shubman Gill Takes Over

Rohit Sharma was removed as India’s ODI captain, with Shubman Gill taking over the role ahead of the upcoming three-match series in Australia. The decision was made despite Rohit guiding the team to a Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year.

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Rohit has captained India in 56 ODIs since 2017, following Virat Kohli’s 95-match tenure between 2013 and 2021. However, both veterans will return to action after a break since the 2025 IPL season.

There were speculations about the senior duo featuring in India ‘A’s series against Australia ‘A’ to regain match fitness, but they were absent from the squad. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that all contracted players must make themselves available for domestic competitions whenever possible.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Participated in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli participated in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, following the BCCI’s new rule mandating contracted players’ involvement in domestic cricket after India’s Border-Gavaskar series defeat to Australia.

However, Kohli and Rohit have been absent from List A competitions. They last played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2010 and 2018, respectively. The upcoming series marks their first international outing in seven months, as they reunite for the Australia tour beginning October 19 in Perth.

Following the Australian tour, India are set to host a white-ball series against South Africa and New Zealand. The national side will then have a lengthy break in the first half of 2026 before resuming international duties with a high-profile tour of England in July.

Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma Central Contracts Under Threat

Rohit Juglan from RevSportz stated that the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma depends on their on-field performance. Juglan pointed out that the BCCI has made this policy clear regarding playing domestic cricket.

“So now it also depends on how both Virat and Rohit are performing. If both of them play well, then maybe the pressure will not be of that kind. But if both do not perform well, then it is necessary for both to play the Vijay Hazare or India A games," Juglan said.

"This was boldly underlined in black and white when the BCCI asked to enforce this strongly. This is why two players, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, were removed from the contract. So now you have to understand this clearly: if you want to look ahead, if you want to present yourself, then it is very important for you to play domestic cricket.”

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