Sport|CricketAustralia vs India: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODI spotlightIndia’s white-ball tour of Australia begins with three ODIs ahead of five T20s to warm up for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
India's white-ball tour of Australia commences on Sun, Oct 20, 2025, with significant attention on the one-day internationals. This series raises questions about the future participation of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in international cricket.
India's white-ball tour of Australia commences on Sun, Oct 20, 2025, with significant attention on the one-day internationals. This series raises questions about the future participation of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in international cricket.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retired from T20 and Test formats. Their participation in the next 50-over Cricket World Cup, scheduled for Oct-Nov 2027 and cohosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, remains uncertain. Kohli and Rohit, aged 36 and 38 respectively, have collectively played almost 600 ODIs.
Recent Performance and Leadership Changes
The duo last played for India in the Champions Trophy final in March, where they secured victory against New Zealand. Rohit Sharma stepped down from the captaincy following this event. Shubman Gill is set to lead the ODI squad in Australia for the first time, marking a significant leadership transition.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir has refrained from making definitive statements regarding Kohli and Rohit's future in the ODI format. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the present series rather than future events.
India's white-ball tour of Australia commences on Sun, Oct 20, 2025, with significant attention on the one-day internationals.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who will turn 37 in December, has been omitted from the ODI squad for Australia but remains hopeful of participating in the next World Cup.
Australia's squad includes players like Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, who are preparing for the upcoming Ashes series. The first Ashes Test against England will commence in Perth on Nov 21, 2025.
Marnus Labuschagne has been called up to replace the injured Cameron Green, who is sidelined with low-grade side soreness. Regular skipper Pat Cummins is also out due to lower back bone stress. Additionally, Alex Carey and Adam Zampa will miss the Perth opener, with Josh Philippe and Matt Kuhnemann stepping in for their roles.
The ODI series will be followed by a five-match T20I series starting in Canberra on Oct 29, 2025, as both teams prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
