Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are in an uncertain stage of their careers ahead of the 2025 Australia ODI series. This follows their retirements from T20I and Test cricket over the last 15 months.
The duo was last seen in competitive action during the Indian Premier League 2025. while they haven't played for India since early March, when the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 ended.
Moving ahead, it is widely known that the duo has set the World Cup 2027 as their goal before they eventually retire from international cricket.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
However, with the Australia series on the horizon, speculation about their early retirement has intensified. Reports suggest that both are unlikely to feature for India beyond the series down under.
Kohli and Rohit could retire after the Australia ODIs
According to journalist Abhishek Tripathi, Kohli and Rohit's future is decided. Both of them are set to retire after the Australia series in October, irrespective of how they perform in the three matches.
It is being heavily reported that BCCI and Gautam Gambhir are looking to end the star culture in the Indian dressing room, and this could be another step towards it, with the long-term future in mind.
READ MORE: Former India selector speaks on Virat and Rohit's participation in India A matches
India is currently prioritizing the T20 World Cup 2026, and ODI matches are few and far between. The Men in Blue are scheduled to play a home ODI series at the end of 2025, followed by a New Zealand series in January, before a long break for the format till mid-2026.
Kohli will be pushing 39 and Rohit will be 40 in 2027; hence, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are said to be the frontrunners to lead India in the much-anticipated competition in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
India white ball tour of Australia 2025 schedule
India will play 3 ODIs, followed by 5 T20Is, from October 19 to November 8 in their white-ball tour of Australia before the duo is expected to retire from international cricket.
READ MORE: Bangladesh name squad for Asia Cup 2025
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Oct 19 | Perth Stadium, Perth |
| 2nd ODI | Oct 23 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |
| 3rd ODI | Oct. 25 | SCG, Sydney |
| 1st T20I | Oct 29 | Manuka Oval, Canberra |
| 2nd T20I | Oct 31 | MCG, Melbourne |
| 3rd T20I | Nov 2 | Bellerive Oval, Hobart |
| 4th T20I | Nov 6 | Gold Coast Stadium, Gold Coast |
| 5th T20I | Nov 8 | The Gabba, Brisbane |