Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have now become one-format players. The three-match ODI series against Australia, starting on October 19 in Perth, will mark their return to international cricket for the first time since the Champions Trophy 2025 triumph in March.
The series comes at a significant juncture in Kohli and Rohit’s career amidst rumours of farewell from the international arena.
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, at the time of the announcement of the ODI squad earlier this month, had remained non-committal on Kohli and Rohit being part of India's scheme of things for the 2027 ODI World Cup, despite their selection for the tour Down Under.
Agarkar’s statement had sparked rumours that Australia series will be a 'perform or perish' situation for the ageing duo.
Meanwhile, former India opener Aakash Chopra has expressed confidence that the Australia tour will not decide the future of the two bona fide white-ball legends.
“One thing is clear – three matches won’t decide their future. They can’t even decide on their present because they have such a huge fantastic legacy. Their body of work is massive. So how can you say that you can drop them if three matches don’t go good and keep them in the team if they do well in three matches?” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.
“I am not going to be on that kind of boat or ship, and I won’t speculate or anticipate at all because it shouldn’t be done at all. Just think about it, we are talking about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They are absolute white-ball legends,” he added.
However, the cricketer-turned-commentator stressed that the start of the series at the bouncy Optus Stadium could pose problems for both Kohli and Rohit, who haven’t played competitive cricket after the IPL 2025 season.
“I feel the start might not be good in Perth. It’s a big possibility because it is the Optus pitch, there is a lot of bounce, and both are coming out completely cold, and suddenly a ball might come where they get out. If it happens, so be it. Then Adelaide and Sydney will come,” Chopra stated.
“I want runs to be scored, but, god forbid, even if they aren’t, I don’t think there will be any immediate difference to their life. They will play the South Africa and New Zealand series as well, and if we are discussing this at that time as well, that two series have passed, and what would happen if they don’t score runs in the third as well, then I will entertain this question,” he remarked.
