Rajeev Shukla Breaks Silence On Farewell Series For Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

Currently there is a lot of buzz in the cricketing world over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirement from ODI cricket after they decided to part ways with T20I and Test Cricket. The duo announced their retirement from T20I after India won the T20 World Cup 2024 against South Africa on June 29, and three months ago in May, the two decided to step away from Test cricket before the start of a five-match Test series against England. After the IPL 2025, Kohli and Rohit were both supposed to make a comeback on the field in ODIs against Bangladesh this month, but the tour was called off. October will be the month when these two will be seen wearing the Indian jersey.

But as the time of their comeback is nearing, the news of their retirement from the format is spreading like a fire. A few days ago, a recent report stated that the Australia series could be the last of the legendary players, as the management is not considering them for the ODI World Cup 2027.

In a recent podcast, Rajeev Shukla, the vice president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), looked quite irritated when the host asked him about giving a farewell series to the legendary duo.

To which Rajeev Shukla said,

"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? So please don't get worked up over it."

Further he said,

"Our policy at BCCI is very clear. We don't tell any player to retire. A player himself makes the 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?"

Team India will be playing three ODIs in Australia; the tickets for the game have already been sold in large amounts. The match will take place in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney on October 19, 23, and 25.