Virat Kohli’s Test retirement came as a shock to many fans. A great player, the former captain scored 9230 runs with 30 centuries in 123 matches. He was known for his love for Test cricket and transformed India’s approach, winning matches overseas and setting batting records.
He announced his retirement on social media in May, just after Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket. The timing was a surprise, especially with the England series coming up.
Vengsarkar told The Times of India that if he were the selector, he would have convinced Virat to retire after the England series as his class and experience was needed. Ravi Shastri also expressed his disappointment. Speaking with Sony Sports Network in June, Shastri said he was sad about Kohli’s departure. Shastri felt it could have been handled better with more open communication.
There’s talk about Kohli and Sharma’s future in ODIs but sources in the BCCI say there’s no rush to decide anything. With the Bangladesh series cancelled, India’s next ODI series is in Australia from October 19-25.
An anonymous BCCI source told PTI that if Rohit and Kohli have plans, they will inform the BCCI as they did before the England Test tour. But from the Indian team’s point of view, the focus is on the T20 World Cup in February and preparing for it. The immediate goal is to send the best team to the Asia Cup T20 tournament, assuming everyone is fit.
Insiders say the BCCI is cautious with sensitive decisions as these players have a huge following.
The last tournament they played was the Champions Trophy in Dubai where Kohli scored a century against Pakistan and Rohit scored a half-century in the final. Both haven’t played since the IPL ended.
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Some reports say BCCI might give them a farewell game in Sydney on October 25 but a BCCI source said there’s been no discussion about it.
India’s ODI schedule for 2025-26 has nine ODIs (three in Australia and six at home against South Africa and New Zealand). The Australia matches and some against South Africa will happen before the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25.India plays Australia in October and South Africa from November 30 to December 6. Kohli and Rohit have six ODIs to prove themselves and their 50-over game. After South Africa, India plays New Zealand in January and then England in July 2026. After the IPL of course.
