‘Absolutely wrong’- Rajeev Shukla on Rohit, Virat retirement talk:BCCI vice-president dismisses claims that Australia ODIs will be duo’s last series

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla has dismissed rumours that the upcoming ODI series against Australia will be the final international appearance for Indian stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Shukla made it clear that the decision to retire rests only with the players themselves. After India’s 2-0 Test series win over West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Shukla said both Rohit and Virat remain crucial for the team’s success. Their selection for the Australia tour is also seen as part of the long-term plan, keeping the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup in mind. He added that while younger players like Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, and Tilak Varma are emerging, the experience of Rohit and Virat continues to be invaluable. ‘Decision to retire Is up to players – Rajeev Shukla During a conversation with ANI, Shukla said, “This is very beneficial for us (Rohit and Virat being in the ODI squad). Because both of them are great batsmen, and in the presence of both of them, I think we will be successful in defeating Australia.” He further added, “And as far as this being their last series is concerned, it is nothing like that. We should never go into these things. It is up to the players when they would retire. To say this would be their last series is absolutely wrong.” Rohit and Virat’s Impressive ODI Record Rohit Sharma is India’s fourth-highest run-getter in ODIs, with 11,168 runs in 273 matches at an average of 48.76, including 32 centuries and 58 fifties. This year, he has scored 302 runs in eight matches with a century and a fifty. Also read: ‘Hope Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli have a successful Australia tour’: Gautam Gambhir remains coy on legendary duo’s 2027 World Cup chances Virat Kohli, on the other hand, is India’s second-highest run-scorer in ODIs with 14,181 runs in 302 matches, averaging 57.88 with 51 centuries and 74 fifties. In 2025, he has scored 275 runs in seven matches, including a century and two fifties. Both will feature in the three-match ODI series in Australia starting October 19. Also read: ‘If I can play 4-day cricket, why can’t 50-over game’: Mohammed Shami blasts Ajit Agarkar on Australia tour snub, says ‘he was not communicated’ Shukla praises Gill’s leadership and India’s win Shukla also praised Team India for their strong performance under new ODI captain Shubman Gill, who led the side to a 2-0 Test series win over West Indies. “I want to congratulate Team India on winning the West Indies Series under the leadership of Shubman Gill. This was very important before going to Australia… And definitely we will win in Australia. I have full hope for that,” Shukla said.