 "Kohli and Rohit are expected to play in the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Image: Reuters")
As fans wait eagerly for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to return to international cricket , former India coach Anil Kumble has asked everyone to focus on celebrating the two stars rather than worrying about what the future holds. Kumble, India’s top wicket-taker in Tests, said Kohli and Rohit have given so much to Indian cricket, and fans should enjoy every moment they have on the field.
Both players are expected to make a return to the national side for the upcoming ODI series in Australia. Rohit was recently removed as India’s ODI captain, while Kohli has been out of the public eye since helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to the IPL 2025 title in June. There are questions about how long they will continue, including whether they will aim for the 2027 ICC World Cup.
Kumble’s message for fans and Ro-Ko
Rohit and Kohli have already retired from Tests and T20Is and will only play for India in ODI cricket. Their return to the side is much-anticipated as fans will get to see their favourite stars in action again. Kumble spoke about Ro-Ko’s return and urged fans to celebrate the legends when they do return in India colours later this month.
“Let’s just celebrate the two players on the field. They have done so much for Indian cricket over the years. You don’t know if… yes, in their heads, they have been thinking of 2027 [World Cup], but it’s still a couple of years from now. There are matches; all you need to do is go out there and enjoy, and now that Rohit is no longer the captain, even the burden and responsibility of captaining is not on him,” Kumble said on JioHotstar.
Kumble also highlighted that Rohit and Kohli’s immediate focus should be the upcoming ODI series against Australia. “So, it’s just about batting and enjoying every moment that they have on the field. I don’t think they need to think too far ahead in terms of 2027. Both these guys have the experience; ideally, you’d want them to be part of the line-up, but it’s better played by the year,” he added.
Kohli has been training in London, while Rohit has worked hard on his fitness in Mumbai recently. He reportedly lost eight kilos and spent long hours in the nets to prepare for the Australia tour. Shubman Gill has been named Rohit’s successor in ODIs as well after taking over in Test cricket.