Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ODI future in question after Champions Trophy final?

As India gears up for the Champions Trophy final, speculation is growing about whether Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will retire from One-Day Internationals after the tournament. Aakash Chopra, former cricketer and commentator, has weighed in on the potential of the two Indian cricket legends stepping away from the 50-over format.

Both Kohli and Rohit have already bid farewell to T20 Internationals following India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024. Now, with India set to face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final on March 9 in Dubai, fans are wondering if this could be the duo’s final ODI appearance, regardless of whether they secure the elusive ICC ODI title.

Chopra shared his thoughts in a recent YouTube video, admitting that if Kohli and Rohit chose to retire after the Champions Trophy, it would be a decision difficult to argue against. “It’s entirely up to them,” Chopra said. “It’s not going to be easy, but with the 2027 ODI World Cup still a few years away, stepping aside might make sense. Kohli’s performance in 2025 has been exceptional, while Rohit’s form has been inconsistent. A century in the final could change that,” Chopra added.

The speculation surrounding their retirement intensified after the duo retired from T20Is, leaving only Test cricket on the horizon. Chopra, while acknowledging their stellar contributions to Indian cricket, questioned whether they would continue in ODIs, considering their age—Kohli is 36 and Rohit is 37. He further highlighted that two years might seem like a long time, especially with the heavy ODI schedule in the upcoming months.

Despite his recent lack of big scores, Rohit’s aggressive approach has remained a vital asset for the Indian team. On the other hand, Kohli has been in superb form during the Champions Trophy, including match-winning performances against Pakistan and Australia.

As the Champions Trophy final approaches, it seems that the Indian cricketing world is on the verge of a major transition, with Kohli and Rohit possibly making their final appearances in the 50-over format. The question remains—will these two cricketing giants continue their journey, or will they choose to retire, leaving behind a legacy that will be hard to match?