New Delhi, May 28, 2025 — Following their recent retirement from Test cricket, Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are now at the center of a renewed debate concerning their future in One Day Internationals (ODIs). As the Indian cricket team begins to reshape its structure for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, the continued presence of the two senior players in the ODI setup is being closely examined by selectors and analysts alike.
Ajit Agarkar, Chairman of Selectors for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), recently addressed the issue, confirming that both Kohli and Sharma had communicated their Test retirements in advance. Their decisions, he noted, were part of a larger conversation about long-term planning and team balance.
Despite stepping away from the red-ball format, neither Kohli nor Sharma has shown signs of immediate retirement from limited-overs cricket. Sharma, who led India to a triumphant Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year, publicly stated his commitment to continue playing ODIs, reassuring fans that he has no immediate plans to step aside.
Even so, the selectors are expected to review the composition of the ODI squad after the tournament season concludes. Agarkar emphasized that every selection decision will be performance-based and aligned with the team’s future goals, especially with a major tournament just two years away.
The development has triggered strong reactions from former players. Some, including ex-captain Dilip Vengsarkar, questioned the timing of the retirements, suggesting that a more gradual exit might have benefitted the team. Meanwhile, others like Yograj Singh have voiced strong support for Kohli and Sharma continuing until the 2027 World Cup, asserting that decisions about their careers should rest solely with the players themselves.
With Shubman Gill now entrusted with leading the Test side, India finds itself in the midst of a generational shift. While younger talents are being groomed for the future, the experience and leadership of seasoned figures like Kohli and Sharma remain valuable, particularly in high-stakes ODI contests.
The Indian cricket board faces a delicate balancing act: ensuring that the squad remains competitive and future-ready without sidelining iconic players who have contributed immensely to the team’s success. How Kohli and Sharma fit into this evolving narrative will likely become clearer in the coming months, as the team prepares for the next international cycle.
