The ECB approached Indian veteran cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to star in the Royal London One-Day Cup in 2025; however, both batters, who are not known for their domestic white-ball cricket, declined participation in the competition.
There have been immense speculations over the international careers of Indian stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ever since they announced their retirement from the longest format of the game.
Although there are no ODI series scheduled soon and the BCCI has no immediate plans for the two global superstars, rumours of their supposed retirement have taken the internet by storm.
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According to reports from the Indian media, the BCCI is looking to move beyond the two stalwarts, keeping the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup in mind.
Their return to India was delayed by the postponement of the white-ball tour against Bangladesh, while it would now be marked in the series against Australia in October.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma denied the ECB’s request for One-Day participation
The report, which suggested Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s snub from the ODI side as well, also cited another clause for the two veterans to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to stay match-fit and eligible for selection.
However, the two veterans have not been often seen in domestic cricket across any format of the game, though last season they were also ordered to feature in the Ranji Trophy to keep their red-ball form intact.
However, as per the latest reports from Rohit Juglan, the two veterans were approached by the ECB to star in the Royal London One-Day Cup for the upcoming season in 2025. However, they denied any such participation.
ROHIT & VIRAT INVITED TO PLAY ROYAL LONDON CUP
“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli invited by Organizers to play in the Royal London One-Day Cup 2025, but both declined to play.” pic.twitter.com/RP91BOdT66
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) August 11, 2025
Clouds of uncertainty prevail over the RO-KO duo in the Indian team
Though the internet has been crazy and is awaiting any formal decision on the future of the two-star cricketers, it seems the BCCI is now only focused on the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 next year in India.
However, BCCI sources for Indian media channels have revealed that they are awaiting a decision from the two veterans, just like they did ahead of the Test series against England.
It seems evident that the board has its focus on younger players and the T20I format, since the ODI tournaments have around 2 years left, while the shortest format tournaments are to be played within the next year.
Shubman Gill is cited as Rohit Sharma’s successor in ODIs
The Indian Test skipper, Shubman Gill, has been backed by many greats after his immense success in the India vs England Test series. His captaincy has received huge applause, and he has evolved further as a batter after the added responsibility has been placed on him.
However, Rohit Sharma, the two-time ICC title-winning Indian skipper, is still cited as one of the greatest white-ball captains as well as the greatest batters, who has shown no signs of a dip in form with a match-winning innings in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final as well.
Despite all, Rohit, now 38, will be 40 years old at the time of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, and likely Virat Kohli will be 39, as a result of which the batter’s retention as the skipper has been under scrutiny, with plans in mind. Gill can be India’s captain in 2027, and he should be given a fair chance to lead the team much before the actual challenge begins.
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