Indian cricket fans are gearing up Asia Cup 2025 India’s two biggest superstars – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will take into account the absence – playing. The dynamic pair, who has given countless memorable performance to the national side in the last decade, will not join the Marki tournament of the continent this September at the UAE.
Reason behind the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli since Asia Cup 2025
T20 International to Retirement
The primary cause of both Rohit and Virat will disappear from the Asia Cup 2025, they have retirement from T20 International (T20I) cricket. In 2024, after guiding India for a historic victory in the ICC men’s T20 World Cup, the two legends declared their retirement from the smallest format, a emotional decision that marked the end of an era for Indian T20 cricket. Subsequently, the Control Board for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the selectors will not include them in the India’s squad for the 2025 Asia Cup, especially, being played as an initial tournament before the 2026 T20 World Cup in the T20I format.
Draft factor
This year, the Asian Cricket Council has decided to operate the Asia Cup in the T20 format instead of Odis, breaking from the tradition of the previous edition. This change was made to ensure that the team and players were achieved in the early 2026, the team and players were achieved in the early 2026. Since both Rohit and Virat have retired from T20i, their non-resolution was indispensable regardless of their current form or fitness.
Youth transition and strategic plan
With the 2025 Asia Cup, India is going through a generational change. The team captained by Suryakumar Yadav has emerging talents like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma and Sanju Samson. This infection aligns with the vision of India to create a squad prepared for the 2026 T20 World Cup and ensures easy consumption after the famous career of its senior players.
Also read: ACC revealed full schedule for Asia Cup 2025, India vs Pakistan Clash set for September 14
What’s next for Rohit and Virat?
While neither Virat nor Rohit has announced ODI retirement, his future remains uncertain in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Both players have made it clear that they want to continue in ODIs, but with a new crop of age and talent, the BCCI has indicated that their place in the squad will be seen again before the next World Cup.
Also read: Here is Team India’s 15-member team for Asia Cup 2025-Bhavaryani is done