Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Retire from Test Cricket, Focus on ODIs Ahead of 2027 World Cup
A New Chapter in Indian Cricket
In a significant shift for Indian cricket, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have declared their retirements from Test cricket just days apart. This decision comes ahead of India's selection meeting for the upcoming tour of England scheduled for late June. With their departures from the longest format, these two cricketing icons will now focus exclusively on One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Rohit's Official Retirement
Rohit officially concluded his Test career on May 7, putting to rest speculation regarding his role in the longest format, including his captaincy. Following this announcement, Kohli shared an emotional message on Instagram, signifying the end of an era in Indian cricket.
White-Ball Cricket Until 2027
Looking ahead, both Kohli and Rohit will be participating in ODIs as India transitions into a white-ball-centric phase. The international calendar features the T20 World Cup in January-February 2026 and the 50-over World Cup in 2027, offering them numerous opportunities to showcase their skills. Their next potential international appearance could be in August during a tour to Bangladesh, although this series is yet to be confirmed. If it does not take place, fans may have to wait until October to see them in action again.
Upcoming ODI Schedule for Kohli and Rohit
| Series | Dates | Number of ODIs |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh vs India | August 17–23, 2025 | 3 |
| Australia vs India | October 19–25, 2025 | 3 |
| India vs South Africa | November 30–December 6, 2025 | 3 |
| India vs New Zealand | January 2026 (Dates TBA) | 3 |
| India vs Afghanistan | June 2026 (Dates TBA) | 3 |
| India vs West Indies | September 2026 (Dates TBA) | 3 |
| New Zealand vs India | October–November 2026 (TBA) | 3 |
| India vs Sri Lanka | December 2026 (Dates TBA) | 3 |
Kohli's Vision for the Future
Recently, Kohli attended a public event where he discussed his aspirations for the 2027 World Cup. While the retirements of Rohit and Kohli from Test cricket mark the conclusion of a remarkable era, their continued participation in ODIs ensures that fans will still witness their exceptional talents on the field.