Asia Cup 2025: Why Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Will Not Play for India

Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will not be part of the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup, which is set to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) retains hosting rights for the tournament, fans will notice the absence of two of India’s biggest stars.

Why Kohli and Rohit Are Not Playing Asia Cup 2025

The reason behind their absence is straightforward — the 2025 Asia Cup will be played in the T20 format, and both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have officially retired from T20 Internationals (T20Is).

The duo stepped away from T20I cricket after leading India to a historic win at the 2024 T20 World Cup, held in Bridgetown, Barbados, on June 29, 2024. The two made their retirement announcements shortly after lifting the trophy.

Following their T20I retirements, both continued to play Test cricket until the end of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, before announcing their retirement from the longest format in May 2025.

Still Active in ODIs and Eyeing 2027 World Cup

Despite stepping away from T20s and Tests, both Kohli and Rohit remain active in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Rohit Sharma, who captains India in ODIs, is expected to lead the side in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. Under his leadership, India were runners-up in the 2023 ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy winners in early 2025.

Ravindra Jadeja Also Out of Asia Cup 2025

Another senior player, Ravindra Jadeja, will also miss the Asia Cup. The all-rounder retired from T20Is a day after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win. Like Rohit and Kohli, he is also expected to continue in ODIs.

India’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule

India will begin their title defense in Group A:

vs UAE – September 10

vs Pakistan – September 14

vs Oman – September 19

If both teams progress, India and Pakistan could face each other up to three times in the tournament.