Reports and speculations about possible retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been making headlines for the past few weeks as India look
The duo last played for India in March 2025, during the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand.
Their T20I and Test retirements have kept them out of action as India played the other formats, including the recent 2-2 draw in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England.
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However, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla has put an end to all the rumours. He backed Kohli's fitness and Rohit's sustained good performances to help them continue playing for India.
What did Rajiv Shukla say about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retirements?
Speaking on a UP T20 League Podcast, Shukla noted that it is too early to worry about a farewell series for the legendary duo.
He also requested the fans and media not to overthink about the duo and cleared the BCCI's stance, calling player retirements as personal decisions.
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"Woh retire kaha hue (When did they retire)? Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will both play one-dayers. So, if they are playing, why are you worried about a farewell series? Yes, they have retired from two formats in phases, but they are playing in ODIs, right? No need to overthink about it," he said.
"Our policy at BCCI is very clear. We don't tell any player to retire. A player himself makes that call. He has to decide, and we respect that. We can only decide something when it's official. Virat Kohli is extremely fit, and Rohit Sharma has been playing so well. Why are you worried about the farewell," Shukla added.
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What’s next for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?
— UP T20 League (@t20uttarpradesh) August 22, 2025
Shri Rajeev Shukla @ShuklaRajiv (Vice President, BCCI; Director, Asian Cricket Council; MP, Rajya Sabha) shares his thoughts in a very special episode of Long Off Lounge.
Now live on YouTube — https://t.co/Z5oxTzCbrL@UPCACricket |… pic.twitter.com/srflE3Bc9M
Up next, the Indian opener and number 3 are expected to play for India A when Australia A travels to India during the Asia Cup, where both will not feature.
The India A series will be followed by a three-match ODI tour of Australia and a home ODI series against South Africa before the end of 2025.
Both Rohit and Kohli will also be seen representing Mumbai and Delhi, respectively, in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to prove their match fitness and continue with their momentum over a sustained period.