Former India coach Ravi Shastri has opened up about the future of cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as the two prepare to make their return to India’s ODI squad for the upcoming India vs Australia ODI series starting October 19, 2025. Shastri believes both stars have plenty of cricket left in them but insists that their motivation, fitness, and love for the game will ultimately decide how long they continue.
This will be the first time Kohli and Rohit feature together in India colours since they announced their retirement from Test cricket earlier this year. With the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa still over two years away, fans are eager to know whether the veteran duo will be part of India’s long-term white-ball plans.
‘They Still Have the Fire’ – Shastri on Kohli and Rohit’s Motivation
In an interview with Fox Sports, Ravi Shastri praised Kohli’s consistency as a chaser and Rohit’s explosive starts at the top, saying both players remain fully committed to the team’s success.
“Virat is a master chaser, and Rohit dominates with his attacking approach. They both feel they still have enough cricket left in them,” Shastri said.
He further highlighted that form fitness and hunger will be key in determining how long Kohli and Rohit continue to represent India in ODIs.
“It depends on how passionate you are and whether the enjoyment is still there. With their experience, it’ll always be an asset to the team,” he added.
Focus on the Present, Not 2027
While there is much speculation about India’s plans for the next World Cup, Shastri urged fans and media to focus on the current challenges rather than long-term assumptions.
“I’d say take it one series at a time. The 2027 World Cup is still far away,” he advised.
He also reminded everyone that both players made their own retirement decisions in other formats.
“Nobody told Rohit or Virat to retire from Tests. They chose that themselves. If they ever feel the enjoyment or form drops, they’ll make that decision again — on their own terms,” he said.
BCCI Denies Retirement Rumours
Meanwhile, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla dismissed the growing speculation that the upcoming Australia ODIs could mark the end of Kohli and Rohit’s ODI careers. He confirmed that no such decision has been made and that both players’ futures remain in their own hands.
A Key Phase for Indian Cricket
With both superstars having retired from Test and T20I formats, the ODI format now becomes the main stage for them. The upcoming Australia series will serve as an important test of whether Kohli and Rohit can still lead India’s charge in the 50-over game.
Fans across the country will be watching closely to see if the legendary pair can once again deliver match-winning performances and prove that age is just a number when it comes to passion and performance in Indian cricket.