Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s ODI future under dark clouds! Selector urges BCCI to look beyond

Former Indian opener and selector Devang Gandhi has opened up about the ODI futures of veteran batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Gandhi said that it’s time to gradually phase them out to provide opportunities to promising young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Sai Sudharsan.

India will play their next ODI series against Australia from October 19 to 25, following the postponement of the Bangladesh white-ball series to 2026. The next ODI World Cup is scheduled for October-November 2027, and Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be 39 and 40 years old, respectively, at that time.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma May Extend ODI Careers Through Vijay Hazare Trophy

According to a report from Dainik Jagran, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will need to participate in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy to prolong their ODI careers. The upcoming ODI series in Australia could be their final appearances for India in the 50-over format.

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Both players have already retired from Tests and T20Is. However, no official decisions have been made yet, as the BCCI is prioritizing the conclusion of the 2026 T20 World Cup before addressing Virat Kohli and Rohit's futures.

The batting duo last played an international match during the 2025 Champions Trophy, where India clinched the title against New Zealand. Kohli scored a century in the league stage match against Pakistan, while Rohit earned the 'Player of the Match' award in the final clash.

How Will You Develop Players Like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant - Devang Gandhi

Devang Gandhi said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should make way for promising young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Sai Sudharsan. Gandhi added that the selectors and management should make clear decisions for the team’s future.

"How will you make players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Sai Sudharshan, among others, sit out when they have shown how well they can adapt?," Gandhi told Times of India.

"The bigger transition is from T20s to Tests. Once a player has done well in Test cricket and has the power game, ODIs should come easier to them. It is very important that the selectors and the team management sit together and take a call," he added.

The Team Management May Not Have Enough Time - Devang Gandhi

Devang Gandhi stated that India delivered an impressive performance in England following Kohli and Rohit's retirement from Test cricket. There were concerns about the team, but the Shubman Gill-led side fought hard to secure a 2-2 series draw.

Gandhi said that India has a strong pool of ODI players waiting in the wings. He warned that the current team and its future could face challenges without proper development.

"If, say, in a year's time, we come to a situation where one of them is not firing and we need a replacement, the team management may not have enough time to prepare a player for the job. There's absolutely no doubt about the contribution of Rohit and Virat. But time doesn't wait for anybody," Gandhi added.

The three-match ODI series will start on October 19, with games taking place in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney. Notably, the 2025 Vijay Hazare Trophy is set to be played in December and January. They will also feature ODI matches against South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan.

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