As the Indian cricket team embarks on their tour of Australia, all eyes are set on the veteran duo, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The tour, comprising three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), marks their return to international cricket since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, adding a layer of intrigue to this series, Australian captain Pat Cummins has hinted that this could be the last time Australian fans get to see the two superstars in action on their home soil.
Cummins, who is currently recovering from a back injury and will miss the ODI series, expressed his sentiments in a recent interview. "Virat and Rohit have been part of almost every Indian side for the last 15 years, so this might be the last chance for the Australian public to see them playing out here," Cummins stated. He acknowledged their immense contribution to the game and the strong support they receive from fans worldwide. "They've obviously been champions of the game for India and are always very well supported. Whenever we play them, the crowd gets loud," he added.
The ODI series begins on October 19 in Perth, followed by matches in Adelaide and Sydney. The T20I series will commence on October 29.
The statement from Cummins has sparked considerable discussion, especially considering Kohli, 36, and Sharma, 38, have already retired from T20Is and are now focused solely on the 50-over format. This move has led to speculation about their future in ODI cricket, with many wondering how long they will continue playing.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dismissed rumors that this will be the pair's farewell series. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla clarified that the decision to retire rests entirely with the players. "It is absolutely wrong to say this will be their last series. The decision to retire is up to them," Shukla said, emphasizing their continued contribution to the team.
Despite the BCCI's statement, the pressure will be on Kohli and Sharma to perform. With the emergence of talented youngsters like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel, competition for spots in the Indian team is fiercer than ever. This series presents an ideal opportunity for the veterans to reaffirm their value and silence any doubts about their future.
Adding another dimension to the series is the leadership transition in the Indian team. Shubman Gill has been appointed as the full-time white-ball captain, marking a significant shift in Indian cricket. While Rohit Sharma has accepted the change, he remains an integral part of the batting lineup. The series will be a test for Gill as he leads a team that includes experienced players like Kohli and Sharma.
Cummins, while disappointed to miss the series due to injury, expressed excitement about the matches and the opportunity for younger players to gain exposure. He emphasized the importance of identifying the core players for the upcoming World Cup. "It's three matches you want to win, but it's also about giving exposure to the younger guys coming through, particularly those who weren't part of the last World Cup," Cummins stated.
As the Indian team sets foot on Australian soil, the series promises to be a thrilling contest between two cricketing giants. While the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the emergence of new talent and the leadership of Shubman Gill add layers of anticipation to this high-profile tour. Whether this is indeed the last time Australian fans witness Kohli and Sharma in action remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: their presence will make this series a memorable one.
