Post by : Rameen Ariff

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president, Rajeev Shukla, has dismissed all speculation that the upcoming India vs Australia ODI series will be the final international outing for star batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Speaking after India’s series win over the West Indies, Shukla clarified that retirement decisions rest entirely with the players themselves and that there is no confirmation about their last match.

“To say this will be their last series is absolutely wrong,” Shukla stated, emphasizing the importance of both Rohit and Virat in India’s ODI squad. “Both are great players, and their presence is crucial to defeating Australia. It is up to them when they want to retire.”

Rohit Sharma, currently India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in ODIs, has amassed 11,168 runs in 273 matches at an average of 48.76. His record includes 32 centuries and 58 fifties, with a highest score of 264. In eight ODIs this year, Rohit has scored 302 runs with a century and a fifty, maintaining a strike rate of 108.24.

Virat Kohli, India’s second-highest run-getter in ODIs, has scored 14,181 runs in 302 matches at an impressive average of 57.88. His career features 51 centuries and 74 fifties, and he has scored 275 runs in seven ODIs this year, including a century and two fifties.

Both Rohit and Virat, who have retired from Test and T20 cricket, are now focused solely on the ODI format. Their inclusion in the squad also aligns with India’s long-term plan for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, alongside the emergence of young talents like Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, and Tilak Varma.

Shukla also praised Shubman Gill and the Indian team for their series victory against West Indies, marking a strong comeback at home after last year’s 0-3 whitewash in New Zealand. “Winning the series against West Indies is a big confidence boost before facing Australia. I am confident we will do well in Australia,” he added.

In the final Test against West Indies, India posted a massive total of 518/5 declared, powered by a brilliant 175-run knock from Yashasvi Jaiswal, along with Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 129. Kuldeep Yadav took eight wickets in the match, earning the Player of the Match award, while Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round performance, including a century and eight wickets in the series, secured him the Player of the Series award. India won the series 2-0 with dominant performances across batting and bowling.

As India prepares to face Australia in a three-match ODI series starting October 19, fans can expect Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play a key role in chasing victories, while nurturing young talents for the future.

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