Future of Kohli and Rohit in ODI Cricket Uncertain Amid Busy Schedule

Recent reports have raised questions about the future of Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODIs. With speculation about their potential retirement after October, the duo may need to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to remain in contention for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. However, the BCCI is prioritizing their availability for India A matches over domestic tournaments, complicating their schedules. As both players have already reduced their international commitments, the decision on their participation in upcoming matches remains uncertain. This article delves into the implications of their busy cricket calendar and the challenges they face in maintaining their careers.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 11, 2025, 12:41 IST

Speculation Surrounding Kohli and Rohit's ODI Careers

Recent reports have sparked new doubts about the international careers of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. It has been suggested that their time in One Day Internationals (ODIs) may conclude after October. The speculation indicates that if they wish to compete in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India's premier domestic 50-over tournament, may be necessary.

Focus on India A Matches

However, an update from a reliable source reveals that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is prioritizing the availability of Kohli and Rohit for India A matches rather than the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Due to potential clashes with the international schedule, their involvement in the Vijay Hazare Trophy appears doubtful.

"Even if they participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, they will have already played six ODIs beforehand. Between the ODI series against Australia and South Africa, there is an India A series against South Africa A, featuring three List A matches scheduled for November 13, 16, and 19 in Rajkot," a BCCI insider shared.

Reduced International Commitments

Both Rohit and Kohli have been gradually scaling back their international commitments. After winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados last summer, they announced their retirement from T20 internationals. In May of this year, they also stepped back from Test cricket just before India's tour of England, leaving ODIs as their only remaining format.

"The key question now is whether they will opt to play in those three A matches, or perhaps just two, before the South Africa series. It is also crucial to consider whether Ajit Agarkar and his team would prefer that," the source added.

BCCI's Plans for India A Series

India's upcoming ODI series against Australia is set for October 19 to 25. Prior to this series, some BCCI officials are reportedly eager for Kohli and Rohit to participate in a couple of India A matches to enhance their match fitness. These games are scheduled in Kanpur on September 30, October 3, and October 5, coinciding with India's Test series against the West Indies in Ahmedabad.

The Australia A team, featuring talents like Jake Fraser-McGurk, will be touring India during this period.

Vijay Hazare Participation Unlikely

A report from a local media outlet suggests that the seasoned players need to engage in domestic cricket to remain on the selectors' radar. However, they are already slated to play six ODIs—three against Australia and three against South Africa—before the Vijay Hazare Trophy begins on December 24.

Moreover, India's ODI tour of New Zealand in January is expected to overlap with the domestic List A competition, further complicating their availability for the Vijay Hazare.