Control Board for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajiv Shukla The rumors around the immediate future of the Indian cricket icon have been rejected firmly Rohit Sharma And Virat KohliBreaking his silence on the matter, Shukla clarified that BCCI follows a clear policy of non-interference in the retirement decisions of the players, emphasizing that the option is only with cricketers.
His comment is amidst increasing speculation that the ODI series against Australia may serve as Swansong for two veterans at the end of this year, especially after the declarations of his amazing retirement from the first tests in 2025.
Increasing concern over Rohit Sharma’s ODI future
For weeks, the cricket fraternity is speculated whether Rohit and Kohli-who are two of the biggest names in Indian cricket-will continue in the 50-over format. After the victory of India’s World Cup in 2024, uncertainty deepened after the two men retired at the T20 internationally, and then the fans were shocked with his sudden outdation in May 2025. This pattern assumed many people that Odis would soon follow the suit, promoting widespread debate among the pundits and anxiety among fans.
Reports also suggested that the October ODI against Australia could be his farewell. However, Shukla’s statement has now seen those rumors to relax, at least to relax for the future.
BCCI’s stance: Retirement is a personal decision
In a video shared by UPT20 League On social media, Shukla clarified the board’s stand Crystal. “We will not ask anyone to retire. It is the decision of the retirement player. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are playing for a day, and they have not announced their retirement. So why are you worrying about their farewell?” He asked, urged fans and media not to jump at conclusion.
He reiterated that the BCCI respects the autonomy of its players and has never implemented the retirement deadline. By underlining this theory, Shukla demanded to remove the uncertainty that has been in the headlines in the last few weeks.
Importantly, Shukla reminded the cricket community that both Rohit and Kohli are involved in ODIs and continue to perform at the highest level. Kohli, who remains one of the most reliable middle-order batsmen in India, and Rohit, who still leads the side of white ball in cricket, has not shown any signs of slowing down on the field.
“They have not retired, are they still playing and contributing. Why are you already arranging their farewell?” Shukla said, a digging on the ongoing media speculation.
Also read: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s absence in the ICC ODI rankings express wonders
Premature talk of farewell matches for Rohit and Virat
The BCCI vice -president also called such discussions “prematurely”, dismissed the call for both of them for organizing farewell matches. Pointing to his fitness and recent performances, Shukla said: “Virat Kohli is very fit, and Rohit Sharma is playing very well. Why are you already talking about his farewell? We will cross the bridge when it comes.”
What is next for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?
Mr. Rajiv Shukla @Shuklarajiv ,
Now live on YouTube – https://t.co/z5oxxtzcbrl@UPCACCCTET , pic.twitter.com/Srfle3BC9m
– UP T20 League (@t20uttarpradesh) August 22, 2025
Shukla’s word underlines the stance of the board that there is no immediate need to discuss their retirement as long as both stallvarts are fit and committed.
Also read: 7 Indian players who will start their Asia Cup this year – from Sanju Samson to Rinku Singh
