Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Retirement Buzz: Champions Trophy 2025 Could Be Their Last ODI Tournament
The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan could prove to be a pivotal moment in the careers of two of India’s most prolific cricketers, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. With retirement discussions surrounding these legends gaining momentum, this tournament could mark their final appearance in the 50-over format for Team India. Here’s why the Champions Trophy will be crucial for both players, and how their futures in ODIs might unfold after this prestigious event.
In recent months, there’s been mounting speculation about the retirements of both Kohli and Sharma, especially after their limited involvement in One-Day International (ODI) matches following the 2023 ICC Men’s World Cup. Both players have been pivotal for India’s success in the past decade, but with the younger generation making strides, their time on the field seems to be running out.
Champions Trophy 2025: A Crucial Event for Kohli and Rohit
The 2025 Champions Trophy could well be the final ODI appearance for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, with fans and experts alike believing that the tournament in Pakistan may signal the end of their journeys in the 50-over format. For India to reclaim the Champions Trophy title after 12 long years, these two batting giants must be in top form.
Although the Champions Trophy is a significant tournament for India, both players face the inevitable reality of aging. By 2027, when the next ICC Cricket World Cup will be held in South Africa, Rohit Sharma will be 40 years old, while Virat Kohli will be 39. Considering their advancing ages, it is expected that selectors will soon look towards younger talents to fill their shoes in the 50-over format.
Recent ODI Performances: A Sign of Things to Come?
Both Kohli and Sharma have played only a handful of ODIs since the 2023 World Cup. In fact, their last major ODI series was against Sri Lanka, where the pair was part of a three-match ODI series. While Rohit Sharma showcased his form with a score of 157 runs, Kohli’s performance was somewhat underwhelming, scoring only 58 runs during the series.
It’s clear that both players are not prioritizing ODIs as much as they once did. Following the World Cup, their participation in ODIs has been minimal, leaving many to believe that the Champions Trophy could be their swan song in the 50-over format.
Return to Domestic Cricket: A Glimpse of Their Form
In an unexpected move, both Rohit and Kohli made a rare appearance in the Ranji Trophy. After unspectacular performances against New Zealand and Australia, both cricketers sought to regain some form by playing domestic cricket. Unfortunately, their returns to the domestic scene were not as promising as hoped. Rohit Sharma, playing under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy, failed to impress, scoring just 3 and 28 runs in the two innings against Jammu & Kashmir.
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, made his return to Ranji by playing against Railway but was dismissed for a mere 6 runs, leaving fans to wonder if the fire still burns within these cricketing icons.
The Road Ahead: A Changing Era for Indian Cricket
While the 2025 Champions Trophy looms large, the future of ODI cricket for India might look very different with the next generation of cricketers like Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, and Rishabh Pant waiting for their chance. With the selectors keen to embrace fresh talent, Kohli and Sharma’s ODI careers could soon transition into the twilight years.
As the cricketing world eagerly watches, it will be interesting to see how these two legends approach their final major 50-over tournament. With their place in Indian cricket history already cemented, all eyes will be on them as they play for the chance to secure one final ICC title before bidding farewell to the ODI format.
