BCCI source says no hurried calls on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI future

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that there will be no quick decisions about the One Day International (ODI) careers of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both players, who will be 39 and 40 years old by the next ODI World Cup in 2027, remain important figures in Indian cricket, but their future in the 50-over format will be decided later.

A senior BCCI official said that the immediate focus is on the T20 World Cup in February 2026, and selectors will take their time to assess the situation before making any calls about the two veterans.

Focus is on T20 World Cup 2026, not retirement talks

India’s next ODI series, against Bangladesh in August, has been cancelled. The team’s next 50-over assignment will now be a three-match series in Australia from October 19 to 25. This gap gives the selectors enough time to think about the team’s long-term plans.

The BCCI official explained that if Rohit or Kohli have retirement plans, they will inform the board directly, just as they have done in the past. For now, the priority is to prepare the best possible team for the Asia Cup T20 and then for the T20 World Cup in 2026.

There has been speculation that both players might get a farewell game, possibly during the final ODI in Sydney on October 25. However, the BCCI source confirmed that no such discussion has taken place officially.

What lies ahead for the two veterans?

After the Australia ODIs, India will play a three-match ODI series at home against South Africa starting November 30, followed by another three ODIs against New Zealand in January 2026. These matches could clash with domestic cricket schedules, especially the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which runs from December 24, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

There will also be an India A series against South Africa A in Rajkot, with three 50-over matches on November 13, 16, and 19. The BCCI will need to decide whether Rohit and Kohli should play in those games to prepare for the South Africa ODIs.

The Indian government will brief the Shashi Tharoor-led Standing Committee on External Affairs today, August 11, about the latest developments in India’s foreign policy. The main focus will be on the ongoing trade dispute between India and the United States, especially the recent increase in tariffs.

Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry are scheduled to meet the committee at 4 pm. The briefing will cover the status of trade negotiations and the impact of US policies on Indian exports.

Tharoor urges action to protect India’s trade interests

Committee chairperson Shashi Tharoor has called the situation “serious” and warned that India must act to safeguard its own economic interests. He was responding to the US decision to impose 50% tariffs on several Indian goods.

“What is happening is concerning,” Tharoor said. “The United States has been a close partner, and we have worked together as strategic allies. If they have changed their approach, India will need to rethink its position. Perhaps in the next two to three weeks, we can hold discussions and find a solution. But we must also ensure that our own interests are protected.”

Tharoor pointed out that India’s annual trade with the US is worth around $90 billion. If American buyers face 50% higher costs on Indian goods, they might choose products from other countries instead. He suggested that India should consider imposing an equal 50% tariff on American exports in response. “No country can threaten us like this,” he added.

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US tariffs linked to Russian oil imports, India vows strong response

The tariff increase was ordered by US President Donald Trump through an Executive Order. The US cited “national security” and “foreign policy concerns” as reasons, specifically pointing to India’s imports of oil from Russia.

The Ministry of External Affairs has strongly criticised the US move, calling it “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” Indian officials have made it clear that they will take all necessary steps to protect the country’s economic and strategic interests.

This dispute comes at a time when India and the US are major trading partners, and both countries have been trying to strengthen strategic cooperation in areas like defence, technology, and energy. The outcome of these talks and policy decisions could have a major impact on future trade relations.

Even if they take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, their participation will likely be limited to two or three games because of overlapping international commitments. Selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, will have to consider the players’ fitness, workload, and the team’s needs before making final decisions.

For now, the future of two of India’s greatest ODI players remains open-ended. The BCCI’s patient approach means that any major decision about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI careers will come only after the T20 World Cup in 2026.