(Image source from: BCCI)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) responded on Sunday to rumors concerning the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in One Day Internationals (ODIs) after a news article suggested their international careers might come to an end this October. If this were to happen, India could lose two of their key players before the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. After the completion of the England Test series and with no upcoming international matches until the Asia Cup kicks off in September in the UAE, fans in India began to speculate about Kohli and Rohit's roles in international cricket. This speculation was sparked by a Dainik Jagran article that suggested Kohli and Rohit might finish their ODI careers during the tour of Australia in October. According to the report, if they want to continue playing until 2027, they would have to take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which is India's domestic List A competition, in order to stay fit and in consideration for selection. The report indicated that the BCCI's requirement for domestic participation could lead to their retirement.

Nonetheless, an anonymous source from the BCCI informed PTI that the board is currently not concerned about the future of Kohli and Rohit, as they are fully concentrating on the upcoming Asia Cup and preparing for the T20 World Cup next year. The source stated, "If Rohit and Kohli have any plans, they would inform the BCCI leadership as they did prior to the England Test tour. However, for the Indian team, the primary focus now is the T20 World Cup in February and getting ready for that. The immediate priority is to assemble the strongest team for the Asia Cup T20 tournament, ensuring all players are fit and ready." The report also noted that the BCCI would take its time with decisions like this, especially considering the public interest in both players. Furthermore, the PTI report clarified that there were no talks about the BCCI providing a farewell match in Sydney on October 25. A BCCI insider confirmed that no such conversations have occurred.

Kohli and Rohit last represented India in the Champions Trophy earlier this year in the UAE, where the team claimed the championship. However, since the Indian Premier League wrapped up, neither player has participated in any competitive cricket.