After nearly a month away from international cricket, Indian stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are preparing to make their highly anticipated return during India’s upcoming tour of Australia. A senior BCCI official has confirmed that while both players are unlikely to feature in the India A series against Australia A, they remain fully fit and available for the three-match ODI series in Australia.
India’s cricket calendar is packed following the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in England. The Asia Cup, led by Suryakumar Yadav, kicks off this week in the UAE, but much of the focus remains on the high-profile clash against Australia. Scheduled after the Asia Cup, the Australian tour includes three ODIs and one T20I, where Kohli and Rohit are expected to make their international comeback following their last outing in the Champions Trophy earlier this year.
Speculation had suggested that Kohli and Rohit might warm up by playing for India A in Kanpur from September 30 to October 5, but reports indicate that the selection panel will not push them into these fixtures. A BCCI official emphasized that the decision will depend on whether the duo feel they need match practice ahead of the ODIs.
“It’s unlikely they’ll play the India A games. They’ll only feature if they feel they need extra time in the middle before the ODIs in Australia. Both are fit and ready for the series,” the official told Times of India.
The selectors are currently balancing multiple assignments, including the announcement of the Irani Cup squad. With members attending the Duleep Trophy final in Bengaluru and chief selector Ajit Agarkar in Dubai for the Asia Cup, final decisions on team composition will be made in the coming days.
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli cleared their mandatory pre-season fitness tests, with Rohit traveling to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and Kohli undergoing his test in London. According to the official, these are routine assessments for contracted players and do not affect selection.
As anticipation builds, Indian cricket fans eagerly await the return of two of the game’s biggest icons in what promises to be a thrilling ODI series against Australia.
