The Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has firmly dismissed rumours surrounding the speedy way forward for Indian cricket icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Breaking his silence on the matter, Shukla clarified that the BCCI follows a transparent coverage of non-interference in gamers’ retirement selections, stressing that the selection lies solely with the cricketers themselves.
His remarks come amid rising hypothesis that the ODI collection in opposition to Australia later this 12 months may function the swansong for the 2 veterans, particularly after their stunning retirement bulletins from Exams earlier in 2025.
Rising considerations over the ODI way forward for Rohit Sharma
For weeks, the cricket fraternity has been abuzz with conjecture about whether or not Rohit and Kohli—arguably two of the largest names in Indian cricket—would proceed within the 50-over format. The uncertainty deepened after each males retired from T20 internationals following India’s World Cup triumph in 2024, after which shocked followers with their sudden Take a look at exit in Could 2025. This sample led many to imagine that ODIs would quickly observe go well with, sparking widespread debate amongst pundits and anxiousness amongst followers.
Reviews even urged that the October ODI collection in opposition to Australia may be their farewell. Nevertheless, Shukla’s assertion now seems to have put these rumours to relaxation, a minimum of for the speedy future.
BCCI’s stance: Retirement is a private determination
In a video shared by the UPT20 League on social media, Shukla made the board’s stance crystal clear. “We gained’t ask anybody to retire. Retirement is the participant’s determination. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are each enjoying One-Dayers, they usually haven’t introduced retirement. So why are you worrying about their farewell?” he requested, urging followers and the media to not soar to conclusions.
He reiterated that the BCCI respects the autonomy of its gamers and has by no means enforced retirement timelines. By underscoring this precept, Shukla sought to dispel the uncertainty that has dominated headlines over the previous few weeks.
Importantly, Shukla reminded the cricketing neighborhood that each Rohit and Kohli stay actively concerned in ODIs and proceed to carry out on the highest degree. Kohli, who stays one in all India’s most dependable middle-order batters, and Rohit, who nonetheless leads the aspect in white-ball cricket, have proven no indicators of slowing down on the sector.
“They haven’t retired, have they? They’re nonetheless enjoying and contributing. Why are you arranging their farewell already?” Shukla mentioned, taking a dig at ongoing media hypothesis.
Additionally READ: Fans express surprise over the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ICC ODI rankings
Untimely discuss of farewell matches for Rohit and Virat
The BCCI vice-president additionally dismissed requires organizing farewell matches for the duo, calling such discussions “untimely.” Pointing to their health and up to date performances, Shukla famous: “Virat Kohli may be very match, and Rohit Sharma is enjoying very nicely. Why are you already speaking about their farewell? We are going to cross the bridge after we come to it.”
What’s subsequent for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?
Shri Rajeev Shukla @ShuklaRajiv (Vice President, BCCI; Director, Asian Cricket Council; MP, Rajya Sabha) shares his ideas in a really particular episode of Lengthy Off Lounge.
Now stay on YouTube — https://t.co/Z5oxTzCbrL@UPCACricket |… pic.twitter.com/srflE3Bc9M
— UP T20 League (@t20uttarpradesh) August 22, 2025
Shukla’s phrases underline the board’s stance that so long as the 2 stalwarts stay match and dedicated, there isn’t any speedy want to debate their retirement.
Additionally READ: 7 Indian players who’ll be making their Asia Cup debut this year – From Sanju Samson to Rinku Singh
