“We won’t ask anyone to…”: BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla breaks silence on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI future amid retirement buzz

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has firmly dismissed rumours surrounding the immediate future of Indian cricket icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Breaking his silence on the matter, Shukla clarified that the BCCI follows a clear policy of non-interference in players’ retirement decisions, stressing that the choice lies solely with the cricketers themselves.

His remarks come amid growing speculation that the ODI series against Australia later this year could serve as the swansong for the two veterans, especially after their surprising retirement announcements from Tests earlier in 2025.

For weeks, the cricket fraternity has been abuzz with conjecture about whether Rohit and Kohli—arguably two of the biggest names in Indian cricket—would continue in the 50-over format. The uncertainty deepened after both men retired from T20 internationals following India’s World Cup triumph in 2024, and then shocked fans with their sudden Test exit in May 2025. This pattern led many to assume that ODIs would soon follow suit, sparking widespread debate among pundits and anxiety among fans.

Reports even suggested that the October ODI series against Australia might be their farewell. However, Shukla’s statement now appears to have put those rumours to rest, at least for the immediate future.

In a video shared by the UPT20 League on social media, Shukla made the board’s stance crystal clear. “We won’t ask anyone to retire. Retirement is the player’s decision. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are both playing One-Dayers, and they haven’t announced retirement. So why are you worrying about their farewell?” he asked, urging fans and the media not to jump to conclusions.

He reiterated that the BCCI respects the autonomy of its players and has never enforced retirement timelines. By underscoring this principle, Shukla sought to dispel the uncertainty that has dominated headlines over the past few weeks.

Importantly, Shukla reminded the cricketing community that both Rohit and Kohli remain actively involved in ODIs and continue to perform at the highest level. Kohli, who remains one of India’s most reliable middle-order batters, and Rohit, who still leads the side in white-ball cricket, have shown no signs of slowing down on the field.

“They haven’t retired, have they? They are still playing and contributing. Why are you arranging their farewell already?” Shukla said, taking a dig at ongoing media speculation.

Also READ: Fans express surprise over the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ICC ODI rankings

The BCCI vice-president also dismissed calls for organizing farewell matches for the duo, calling such discussions “premature.” Pointing to their fitness and recent performances, Shukla noted: “Virat Kohli is very fit, and Rohit Sharma is playing very well. Why are you already talking about their farewell? We will cross the bridge when we come to it.”

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 |…

— UP T20 League (@t20uttarpradesh) August 22, 2025

Shukla’s words underline the board’s stance that as long as the two stalwarts remain fit and committed, there is no immediate need to discuss their retirement.

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