Cricket fans, rejoice! Indian cricket icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are all set to make their much-awaited comeback to international cricket. Both legends, who have been away from action since the Champions Trophy 2024, will feature in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia.
According to BCCI sources, the official squad announcement is expected on Saturday, October 4.
🏏 Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli Return to ODIs
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the twin pillars of Indian cricket, will don the blue jersey once again as India begin their three-match ODI series in Australia later this month.
Both players had earlier announced their retirement from T20Is after lifting the T20 World Cup 2024, and more recently, they stepped away from Test cricket — leaving India with a young, evolving red-ball squad under Shubman Gill’s leadership.
Their return to the ODI setup now signals a strong push for stability ahead of India’s long-term preparation for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
🧢 Captaincy Decision: Will Rohit Continue as ODI Captain?
One of the key topics during the BCCI selection meeting will be the ODI captaincy.
Sources indicate that selectors will discuss the leadership role directly with Rohit Sharma, who recently cleared his fitness test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
It remains to be seen whether Rohit will continue leading India in the 50-over format or if a transition plan is in motion.
🇮🇳 Key Players Likely to Return
Alongside Rohit and Kohli, most of the Champions Trophy 2024-winning squad members are expected to make the cut.
That includes:
- Shreyas Iyer, India’s highest run-scorer in the Champions Trophy
- Yashasvi Jaiswal, who narrowly missed the Asia Cup squad
- Abhishek Sharma, the rising T20 star who may earn his first ODI call-up
With the selectors likely to pick a slightly extended squad, fringe players like Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and Mukesh Kumar might also get opportunities.
🗓️ India’s Tour of Australia 2024–25: ODI Schedule
India’s tour of Australia will begin with the ODI leg in October, followed by a T20I series.
ODI Schedule:
- October 19, 2025 – Perth
- October 23, 2025 – Adelaide
- October 25, 2025 – Sydney
After the ODIs, the action continues with a five-match T20I series from October 29 to November 8. The T20 squad is also expected to be announced alongside the ODI lineup.
🔥 What This Return Means for Team India
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s return adds experience, stability, and star power to India’s ODI squad. Their presence will not only bolster India’s top order but also provide vital mentorship to the younger players — especially as India transition into a new era post their Test and T20 retirements.
With Australia gearing up for a full-strength squad, the upcoming ODI series promises to be a blockbuster battle between two cricketing giants.
