Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli may have put on a show with the bat to script India’s nine-wicket victory in the third and final ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday (October 25), but questions remain over the ageing duo's future, especially their participation in the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.

Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Rohit and Kohli have now become one-format players. The Australia tour marked their return to the international cricket after seven months.

While Rohit returned with scores of 8, 73, and 121* in three games, Kohli bagged two successive ducks before scoring 74* in the series finale.

The veteran campaigners stitched an unbeaten stand of 168 runs to help India pull off a consolation win in Sydney, but they showed signs of rust throughout the series.

With fewer ODIs being scheduled these days, there is already enough chatter about the pair possibly playing the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy in December 2025.

After the end of the series, India’s new ODI captain Shubman Gill hinted at senior players’ participation in the List A tournament, as he stated that discussions will take place after the ODI series against South Africa later this year.

It is pertinent to mention here that that Rohit and Kohli will next be seen in action in the three-match series against South Africa at home, starting November 30. Once this ends on December 6, there are no ODIs scheduled till January 2026 against New Zealand. Hence, they might just have to play domestic cricket to stay match fit and in rhythm.

“Right now, we haven't had any discussions. There's not much gap left for the South Africa series. There's a bit of a gap between the South Africa and New Zealand series. We will have discussions after the South Africa series, and we will decide on how to keep the players in touch,” Gill told reporters.

Gill, who was appointed India’s ODI skipper earlier this month, also said that having Rohit and Virat around helps him as they are more than willing to share their inputs.

“It is always helpful. Both of them have played a lot in Australia. They have won so many matches for the country. Having Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma helps me as a captain. I can ask them anything whenever I have any doubts in the field. It is a big relief that I can always go upto Rohit and Kohli,” he remarked.

Having lost the first two games in Perth and Adelaide, India conceded the ODI series 2-1 to Australia. However, Shubman Gill commended his team’s flawless outing in the dead-rubber.

“We had a near-perfect game. The chase was pleasing to see. Rohit and Kohli have done it for so many years, and it was a delight to watch. It was a special win on a special ground," Gill said at the post-match presentation.