'Our policy is very clear...': BCCI vice-president finally breaks silence on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's ODI future

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has cleared the air regarding the future of India legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODI cricket. Both players have already retired from Test and T20I formats, and their future in the 50-over game has come under question amid reports suggesting they might step away before the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

In recent weeks, rumours have been doing the rounds that the upcoming Australia ODI series in October might be the last outing for the two superstars. However, Rajeev Shukla has dismissed the talk and said both players are still part of India’s one-day team. Shukla was asked about Kohli and Rohit’s potential farewell plans during a shoot for UP T20 League.

BCCI clears the air on Kohli, Rohit’s ODI future

“When did they retire? Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli both will still play ODIs, so if they are still playing, then why talk about farewell now? Why are you people worrying already? Our policy is very clear – BCCI never tells any player to retire. He has to take his own decision. He himself has to take this call,” Shukla said in the viral video.

Shukla further stressed that both stars are still in good shape and will continue to play the format. “When that bridge comes, we will tell you how to cross it. You people are already talking about farewells. Kohli is very fit, he is going on. Rohit Sharma is playing very well. And you people are already worried about farewell,” he concluded.

What’s next for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?

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 T20 League (@t20uttarpradesh) August 22, 2025

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Both Kohli and Rohit have resumed training for their return to white-ball cricket. They are expected to be in action during the three-match ODI series against Australia from October 19 to 25. Rohit was seen practicing with former India assistant coach Abhishek Nair, who is also his close friend, while Kohli was spotted training at the Lord’s in London.