Kohli, Sharma to retire from ODIs this year: reports

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly advised senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to end their One Day International (ODI) careers, according to Indian media.

Both players, who have already retired from Test and T20 International cricket, are said to be absent from the board’s long-term plans for the 2027 ICC World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Reports suggest the BCCI intends to promote younger talent in the ODI squad and provide them sufficient experience ahead of the tournament.

If Kohli and Sharma wish to be considered for the 2027 event, they will need to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy — India’s domestic 50-over competition starting on 24th December.

Kohli and Sharma were key performers in India’s recent ICC Champions Trophy victory. Kohli scored 218 runs in five matches at an average of 54.50, including an unbeaten century against Pakistan. Sharma made 180 runs in the same number of matches, with a decisive 76 in the final against New Zealand.

India will next play a three-match ODI series against Australia beginning on 19 October, followed by another three-match ODI series in South Africa later this year.