Explained: Why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli won’t play in Asia Cup 2025

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Indian cricket fans gearing up for the Asia Cup 2025 will notice the absence of two of India’s biggest superstars—Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli—from the playing XI. The dynamic duo, who have delivered countless memorable performances for the national side over the past decade, will not feature in the continent’s marquee tournament this September in the UAE.

Retirement from T20 Internationals

The primary reason both Rohit and Virat will be missing from the Asia Cup 2025 is their retirement from T20 International (T20I) cricket. After guiding India to a historic triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, both legends announced their retirement from the shortest format, an emotional decision that marked the end of an era for Indian T20 cricket. Subsequently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the selectors will not include them in India’s squad for the 2025 Asia Cup, which, notably, is being played in the T20I format as a preparatory tournament ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The format factor

This year, the Asian Cricket Council has decided to conduct the Asia Cup in the T20 format instead of ODIs, breaking from the last edition’s tradition. This change was made to ensure teams and players get adequate preparation and team balance ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set for early 2026. Since Rohit and Virat have both retired from T20Is, their non-inclusion was inevitable regardless of their current form or fitness.

Youth transition and strategic planning

With the 2025 Asia Cup, India is undergoing a generational shift. The squad, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, features emerging talents like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson. This transition aligns with India’s vision of building a squad ready for the 2026 T20 World Cup and ensuring seamless continuity after the celebrated careers of their senior-most players.

Also READ: ACC unveils full schedule for Asia Cup 2025, India vs Pakistan clash set for September 14

While neither Virat nor Rohit has announced ODI retirement, their future in the 2027 ODI World Cup remains uncertain. Both players have made it clear they wish to continue in ODIs, but with age and a new crop of talent, BCCI has indicated that their place in the squad will be revisited ahead of the next World Cup.

Also READ: Here is Team India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 – Predicted