Is this all done for RO-KO? The era of India’s white-ball stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may be approaching its final chapter. While India recently celebrated a memorable Test series victory over England, for more than a decade, Kohli and Rohit have been the backbone of India’s limited-overs success. After stepping away from Test cricket earlier this year, all eyes have now turned to their ODI careers. Many had expected the 2027 World Cup in South Africa to be their swan song, but according to a report from Dainik Jagran, that may no longer be the case.
The upcoming three-match ODI series in Australia this October could mark the final appearance for both players in the 50-over game. If this comes as reported, the series will carry emotional significance, serving as a farewell tour rather than just a competitive challenge.
The report also reveals that for Kohli and Rohit to remain in contention for the 2027 World Cup, they must commit to the domestic one-day circuit, specifically, the Vijay Hazare Trophy scheduled later this year. This requirement mirrors the policy that saw Test hopefuls maintain their red-ball form through participation in the Ranji Trophy before the England tour earlier in 2025.
However, this condition could ultimately hasten their retirement, with both veterans potentially stepping away from ODIs after the Australia series if they choose not to take part in domestic one-day cricket.
Meanwhile, selectors are increasingly focused on grooming younger talent. India’s white-ball pool has never been deeper, and with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, building a fresh squad has become a priority. This transition process naturally sparks discussions about phasing out senior players.