As India prepares to tour Australia for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series beginning October 19, 2025, there is growing speculation this may be the last time veteran batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma don the blue jersey in the 50-over format.
At 36 and 38 years old respectively, Kohli and Rohit remain active only in ODIs since both have stepped away from the Test and Twenty20 formats. Their storied careers, contributions, and sheer longevity keep the spotlight trained on them as the series looms.
The end of an era?
Many in the cricketing world view this Australia tour as a potential farewell on foreign soil. Given their age and the transition underway in Indian cricket, this series may mark their final chance to perform in ODIs against Australia. The matches in Perth (October 19), Adelaide (October 23), and Sydney (October 25) could draw extra emotional weight, especially from Indian diaspora fans in Australia.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir has avoided committing one way or the other when asked whether Kohli and Rohit will continue beyond this series under the newly appointed ODI captain, Shubman Gill. While Gambhir acknowledged their experience and value, he also emphasized that the team must manage a careful transition.
For Rohit, the prospect of future participation is further complicated by his age: he will be nearly 40 by the next ICC ODI World Cup in 2027. Kohli, two years younger, may have a marginally stronger chance of extending his ODI tenure—if form, fitness, and selection allow.
Sporting and symbolic significance
If indeed this series closes their ODI journeys, it would mark the sunset of one of the most productive batting eras in Indian cricket history. Between them, Kohli and Rohit have amassed nearly 600 ODIs, many centuries, and countless memorable match-winning performances. Their presence in the current squad reflects not only past achievements but the role of senior statesmen guiding younger players—Shubman Gill, in particular, stands to benefit from their experience during this transitional phase. Australia
For fans, this tour carries more than just statistics. The prospect of seeing “Ro-Ko” (Rohit + Kohli) one last time evokes nostalgia and a recognition of their sustained excellence through eras of change in Indian cricket.
From the team’s perspective, balancing respect for their legacy with the inevitability of generational shift is a delicate task. India would aim to ensure continuity without lingering too long on names, especially as younger batsmen push for spots and the weight of expectations grows.
Uncertainties ahead
Despite speculation, nothing is yet confirmed. Their inclusion in the squad signals faith in their ability to contribute, while Gambhir’s caution suggests nothing has been ruled out. Should injuries, form dips, or strategic decisions intervene, the “last start” scenario could come earlier—or be extended.
In sum, the Australia ODIs are shaping up as a potentially momentous series—not only for the rivalry on the field but for cricket history. Whether or not they exit the ODI stage here, Kohli and Rohit’s legacies are secure. But for all involved—players, selectors, fans—the possibility of a final bow adds poignant weight to every ball that will be bowled and every run scored.
