(Image source from: ICC)
The vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Rajeev Shukla, dismissed rumors that the upcoming ODI series with Australia would be the last time batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play internationally. He emphasized that the choice of retirement is entirely up to the players themselves. Shukla shared these thoughts with ANI after India claimed a series victory over West Indies, winning the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium by seven wickets. Although Rohit and Virat were picked for the trip to Australia with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 in mind, the rise of Shubman Gill as ODI captain and the performance of players like Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, and Tilak Varma during the recent India A series against Australia have led many to question the future of "Ro-Ko," who will be 40 and 39 years old when the tournament takes place in 2027.
He mentioned, "Having Rohit and Virat in the ODI team is very helpful for us. Both are exceptional batsmen, and I believe their presence will help us win against Australia.""Regarding this possibly being their last series, that is simply not true. We should not think like this. The decision about retirement is fully in the hands of the players. Claiming that this will be their final series is entirely incorrect," Shukla continued. Rohit ranks as India's fourth-highest run-scorer in ODIs, amassing 11,168 runs across 273 matches and 268 innings, with an impressive average of 48.76 that includes 32 centuries, 58 fifties, and a top score of 264. This year, in eight ODIs, Rohit has accumulated 302 runs at an average of 37.75 and a strike rate of 108.24, including one century and one fifty, with a highest score of 119.
On the flip side, Virat is India’s second-highest run-scorer in ODIs, tallying 14,181 runs from 302 matches and 290 innings at an average of 57.88 and a strike rate exceeding 93, featuring 51 centuries and 74 fifties, with a best score of 183. In seven ODIs played this year, he has scored 275 runs in seven innings at an average of 45.83, including one century and two fifties, with a top score of 100. Both players will compete in the ODIs against Australia, starting October 19, after having stepped back from Tests and T20Is to focus on ODIs. Shukla also praised the team led by Shubman Gill for their triumph against the Windies, noting their return to form at home following a notable whitewash series defeat to New Zealand last year. He expressed hope for India's success in the upcoming series in Australia.
I would like to extend my congratulations to Team India for their victory over the West Indies Series, guided by Shubman Gill. This win was crucial before heading to Australia, as the competition there is known to be tough. The Australian team is also quite strong. Therefore, facing the West Indies beforehand will be quite beneficial. I am confident that we will succeed in Australia. I have complete faith in that, he finished.
