Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from T20Is after winning the T20 World Cup 2024. However, their decision to retire from Test cricket came as a shock to many. Both of them announced this news through their social media accounts. Rohit made his decision public on May 7, while Virat announced his decision on May 12.
Their decision to step away from the longest form of the game came just a few weeks away from India’s tour of England. Since then, it has been speculated whether they will be available for the next ODI World Cup that will be played in 2027.
In an interaction with ANI, BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla clarified that the decision to retire from Test cricket was entirely made by Rohit and Virat. He also mentioned that both the batters will be available to play the ODI format.
“I want to make it very clear once and for all. We all feel Rohit and Virat’s absence, but they took the decision on their own. BCCI has a policy of never telling any player when to retire and from which format. This is on the player. This was their own decision. They took retirement on their own. We will always miss them. We consider them great batters. The good thing is they are available in ODIs,” he said.
When Will ROKO Play For India Next?
The ODI World Cup is still far away, and both Rohit and Virat might be available to play in the tournament. However, it is still unclear when fans can see Virat and Rohit together in the Indian jersey next.
India was supposed to tour Bangladesh in August. However, that tour has been cancelled for now. India might travel to Sri Lanka next month to play three ODIs and three T20Is. If that happens, Indian fans might witness the magic of ROKO in the next few weeks
However, if that doesn’t happen, India’s next assignment in the ODI format would take place on October 19 against Australia in Perth. India is scheduled to play 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is in October-November this year. India will play three more ODIs this year against the Proteas in November-December this year.
Leave a Comment