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"When Did They Retire?": Rajeev Shukla Rejects Premature Farewell For Virat Kohli, Rohit

Akshita Patel

Rajeev Shukla reacts to retirement rumours around Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]Rajeev Shukla reacts to retirement rumours around Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]

Indian cricket fans speculated that the upcoming tour of Australia in October could be the final outing for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in international cricket. However, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has put an end to the chatter, making it clear that both stars are not walking away from cricket just yet. 

Since both modern-day great cricketers retired from Test and T20Is, the ODI is the only format available for them to represent their country. However, according to several media reports, the senior duo will likely be phased out of the setup before the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Rajeev Shukla Declares Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma's Far From Done

In an interview with the UPT20 League, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla strongly dismissed the speculation and reminded everyone that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are still playing ODIs. They are fit and motivated to return to the national side, which means the farewell talk is nonsensical. 

"When did they retire? Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli both will still play ODIs, so if they are still playing, then why talk about farewell now? Why are you people worrying already? When that bridge comes, we will tell you how to cross it," Shukla said.

When the hosts asked him to arrange a farewell for the duo once they decide to retire from the ODIs, Shuka replied that the board never forces a player to retire and that the decision always rests with the cricketer himself.

"Our policy is very clear – BCCI never tells any player to retire. He has to take his own decision. He himself has to take this call. You people are already talking about farewells. Kohli is very fit, he is going on. Rohit Sharma is playing very well," he added.

When Will Rohit And Kohli Be Seen Next In Action?

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last donned the blue jersey in March 2025 when India won the Champions Trophy 2025. Since then, the duo retired from the Tests and remained out of the public eye.

As per the schedule, the Indian team will be touring Australia in October for a 3-game ODI series followed by a 5-game T20I series. Both Rohit and Kohli are expected to feature in the ODI series. However, Rohit’s captaincy could be in jeopardy, with the BCCI reportedly keen on grooming Shubman Gill as an all-format skipper.