As India gears up for the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand on March 9, speculation is mounting over whether Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will retire from One Day Internationals (ODIs) after the tournament. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the discussion, acknowledging that while it would be understandable if the two stalwarts decided to step away, he remains uncertain about their plans.
Kohli and Rohit had previously retired from T20 internationals after India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024, leading many to believe that they might now bid farewell to ODIs as well.
In a recent YouTube video, Chopra discussed the potential retirement of both players, noting that with the 2027 ODI World Cup still a few years away, stepping aside now might make sense. He emphasized that the final decision should rest entirely with the players. “It’s up to them. Kohli has been in brilliant form in 2025, while Rohit’s performances have been moderate. However, he could still change the narrative with a big knock in the final,” Chopra remarked.
Performance and Retirement Speculation
Virat Kohli has been instrumental in India’s Champions Trophy campaign, proving his critics wrong after a dip in Test form. His match-winning century against Pakistan and a crucial 84-run innings against Australia in the semi-final highlight his impact. Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, has struggled to produce a major score since his century against England before the tournament. However, his aggressive approach at the top has continued to provide momentum for India’s batting lineup.
Chopra admitted that the possibility of both players stepping away from ODIs after retiring from T20Is raises questions about their future. “If they leave both T20Is and ODIs, only Test cricket remains. Would they take that route? Who knows?” he stated. Chopra also noted that while the next ODI World Cup is two years away, India has several ODIs scheduled over the next 12 months, meaning both players could remain active in the format for some time.
The End of an Era?
At 36 and 37, Kohli and Rohit face the challenge of committing to another World Cup cycle. While their experience and leadership are invaluable, the question remains whether they see themselves competing at the highest level for another three years.
If they do choose to retire from ODIs after the Champions Trophy, it would signal the end of an era in Indian cricket, marking the departure of two of the most influential players in the team’s history. With the final against New Zealand looming, fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting any announcement regarding their future in the format.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagramfor more such updates.
