No plans for farewell matches as Kohli, Rohit stay focused on ODIs
As fan speculation mounts over potential farewell series for Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla has made it unequivocally clear: there are no such plans on the table.
Speaking in a special episode of the Long Off Lounge on the Two Sloggers Podcast on the sidelines of UPT20, Shukla dismissed any suggestion of a send-off being organized for the duo—both of whom retired from T20Is after India’s victorious 2024 World Cup campaign and stepped away from Test cricket in May 2025.
“They haven’t retired, haven’t they? Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are both playing One-Dayers. They haven’t taken retirement, so why are you talking and worrying about their farewell? Retirement from two formats, that’s the phases, but they are still playing ODIs,” Shukla said. “Don’t worry this much. BCCI policy is quite clear; we won’t ask anyone to retire, they have to make their decisions themselves. He has to take that call, and we respect that.”
BCCI’s policy: players decide when to walk away
Shukla’s comments reflect the board’s longstanding approach to player retirements—one that contrasts with the growing noise across social media and in sections of the media calling for a send-off akin to Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell in 2013.
“Our policy at BCCI is very clear. We don’t tell any player to retire. A player himself makes that call. He has to decide, and we respect that. We can only decide something when it’s official. Virat Kohli is extremely fit, and Rohit Sharma has been playing so well. Why are you worried about the farewell?” he emphasized.
The speculation appears to have been sparked by the upcoming ODI series against Australia in October—a three-match tour that will be India’s first 50-over assignment since IPL 2025, and potentially the final time the two stars play together on Australian soil.
“Cross the bridge when we come to it”
Asked whether the BCCI might organize farewell matches if and when the time comes, Shukla reiterated that the board would act only once retirement decisions are official. “We’ll cross the bridge when we come to it. You are already arranging their farewell! Virat Kohli is very fit, and Rohit Sharma plays very well. Why are you worried about their farewell?”
Despite being 39 and 41 respectively by the time of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, both players are reportedly committed to pushing for selection. Kohli made it clear earlier this year that the 2027 World Cup is his next target, while Rohit has resumed intense training and reportedly remains motivated to win the only major white-ball trophy missing from his cabinet.
October ODIs and domestic returns could shape their future
India’s next ODI series will take place in Australia with matches in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney on October 19, 23, and 25. Ticket sales are already underway, and both Kohli and Rohit are expected to feature prominently.
Meanwhile, there has been quiet chatter around the possibility of the duo turning out for their state sides in the Vijay Hazare Trophy—a domestic 50-over competition that could serve as a pathway for selection ahead of the 2027 World Cup. However, nothing has been confirmed.
For now, the BCCI is standing firm in its message: Kohli and Rohit remain active players, and any talk of farewells is premature.
“When did they retire? Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will both play one-dayers. So, if they are playing, why are you worried about a farewell series? Yes, they have retired from two formats in phases, but they are playing in ODIs, right? So please don’t get worked up over it,” Shukla said.
What’s next for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?
Shri Rajeev Shukla @ShuklaRajiv (Vice President, BCCI; Director, Asian Cricket Council; MP, Rajya Sabha) shares his thoughts in a very special episode of Long Off Lounge.
Now live on YouTube — https://t.co/Z5oxTzCbrL@UPCACricket |… pic.twitter.com/srflE3Bc9M
— UP T20 League (@t20uttarpradesh) August 22, 2025
Fit, focused, and far from finished
With both players currently training and preparing for their return to the international stage, the farewell noise appears to be just that—noise. As Shukla summed up: “Virat Kohli is very fit, and Rohit Sharma plays very well.”
For now, the focus remains on October—and beyond.
