Virat Kohli- Rohit Sharma's retirement dwelled on officially by BCCI
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Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirement plans have been halted by the latest statement from the BCCI Vice-President, as fans urge for a deserving farewell for the two legends of Indian cricket.
There has been immense buzz surrounding the probable retirement of legendary cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The two veterans have already retired from the Test and the T20I formats of the game internationally, while they are scheduled to feature only in one-day games.
However, the latest reports have also suggested that not Kohli but the BCCI is urging only Rohit Sharma for his retirement, while considering Shubman Gill for the Indian captaincy ahead of the 2027 ICC World Cup.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma fans urge for a proper farewell to the legends on their International retirement
The future of the two veteran Indian cricketers, and probably the greatest white-ball cricketers of this modern era, continues to be under the radar, with a threat of forced retirement looming over their heads.
Amid these speculations, fans have urged a well-deserved farewell for the two cricketers, much like Sachin Tendulkar's famous send-off at the Wankhede back in 2013.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing UPT20 League, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla was asked whether the BCCI has planned to organize a farewell game for both Rohit and Virat, given their Test retirements came all of a sudden just before the England series.
BCCI issues clear statement on Kohli-Rohit ODI retirement plans
Addressing the aforementioned speculations, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has urged the crowd and reporters to remain patient, insisting that there has been no such hurry to discuss their retirement plans or arrange a farewell for them.
In response to the fans' urging for a farewell for the two cricketers, he said that both players are still active in ODIs and that any decision for a send-off will come at the appropriate time.
"They haven't retired, haven't they?" Shukla remarked. "Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are both playing One-Dayers. They haven't taken retirement, so why are you talking and worrying about their farewell?"
"Retirement from two formats, that's the phases, but they are still playing ODIs. Don't worry this much. BCCI policy is quite clear; we don't ask anyone to retire, they have to make their decisions themselves. He has to take that call, and we respect that," he added.
"We'll cross the bridge when we come to it. You are already arranging their farewell! Virat Kohli is very fit, and Rohit Sharma plays very well. Why are you worried about their farewell?" said Shukla as the hosts pushed him further, urging for a fan-driven appeal for a farewell match.
RO-KO left T20I and Test Cricket together; Will the same follow in ODIs?
Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game from the podium of the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, after breaking the ICC jinx for India. Virat Kohli followed him with his retirement as well, while Ravindra Jadeja got added to the tally and went down relatively silently.
Later in 2025, Rohit announced his retirement from the longest format of the game, midway through the IPL, while Kohli, who won his maiden IPL title in 2025, followed Rohit's footsteps and announced his retirement as well. India played the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy without their two veterans.
With India's next ODI outing in Australia during October, the ICT fans are anticipating another retirement announcement from the two veterans at the same time, just like they did in the other two formats.
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Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma India National Cricket Team BCCI Gautam Gambhir Shubman Gill Rajeev Shukla
