Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Step Away from Test Cricket: What's Next?

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have announced their retirement from Test cricket, marking a significant shift in Indian cricket. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, questions arise about their future in the shorter format. Both players aim to compete in the upcoming World Cup after missing the title at home in 2023. Sourav Ganguly warns that the path to the World Cup won't be easy, as they must navigate numerous ODI matches before the event. Their last ODI appearance was in the Champions Trophy final, and they are set to play against Bangladesh in August. Will they succeed in their final quest for glory?

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 22, 2025, 22:55 IST

Retirement from Test Cricket

Indian cricket legends, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have recently announced their departure from Test cricket just before the England series, which has commenced at Headingley in Leeds.

Rohit was the first to declare his retirement from the longer format after stepping down from the captaincy. Following this, on May 12, Kohli shocked fans by revealing his retirement from Test cricket after an impressive 14-year career, during which he played 123 matches. His announcement came amid widespread speculation about the future of senior players, marking a significant transition in Indian cricket.

Focus on ODI Cricket

Both players will continue to participate in One Day Internationals (ODIs) as they have already retired from T20Is following India's T20 World Cup victory last year. They are expected to conclude their international careers after the upcoming ODI World Cup.

Future Prospects for Rohit and Kohli

With their recent exits from Tests and T20Is, there is growing speculation regarding their roles in ODIs, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching.

Although the tournament, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, is still two years away, Team India is set to play 27 ODIs before the World Cup. This number may increase once the Board of Control for Cricket in India releases the Future Tours Programme (FTP). India's preparations for the World Cup will kick off with a series against Bangladesh in August.

By the time the next ODI World Cup arrives, Rohit and Kohli will be 39 and 40 years old, respectively, which may pose challenges in maintaining their fitness and performance levels. Both players participated in this year's IPL, where Kohli showcased exceptional form, while Rohit was utilized as an impact player by the Mumbai Indians.

Desire to Compete in 2027 ODI World Cup

Rohit and Kohli have expressed their intention to compete in the 2027 ODI World Cup, especially after missing the chance to win the title at home in 2023, following a defeat to Australia in the final. They view the next World Cup as a final opportunity to achieve glory together on the international stage.

The duo has previously won the Champions Trophy in 2013 and 2025, as well as the T20 World Cup in 2024. They have each secured four titles at ICC tournaments, making them the most successful Indian cricketers in terms of ICC title wins.

Sourav Ganguly's Insights

In a recent interview, Sourav Ganguly shared his thoughts on the challenges that Kohli and Rohit may face on their path to the ODI World Cup. He emphasized that the road ahead is not straightforward, as they will need to participate in all ODI matches leading up to the event.

"It won't be easy. 15 games a year. I've got no advice. I think they know the game as much as I do. And they will take a call," Ganguly remarked.

He further noted, "But all of us must understand that just like everyone, the game will go away from them and they will go away from the game."

Upcoming Matches

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's last ODI appearance was in the Champions Trophy final, where India triumphed over New Zealand to secure their second title. They are expected to participate in the ODI series against Bangladesh, which begins on August 17.