Australia May See the Last of Kohli and Rohit in ODI Series
Australian cricket fans are preparing for an emotional and potentially historic one-day international series as India’s legendary batting duo — Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — may be seen in action on Australian soil for the final time.
The three-match ODI series between India and Australia, which kicks off in Perth on Sunday, has taken on added significance. It’s not just another bilateral contest between two cricketing giants — it could mark the end of an era that has defined modern-day cricket for nearly two decades.
A Glorious Legacy Nears Its Final Chapter
Between them, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma boast nearly 600 ODI appearances and over 25,000 international runs. Both players have been the backbone of India’s batting lineup since the late 2000s, rewriting record books, inspiring generations of fans, and setting benchmarks for professionalism and consistency.
At 36 and 38 respectively, Kohli and Rohit remain active only in the 50-over format. Their international futures beyond this series, however, appear uncertain. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, while addressing media earlier this week, refused to confirm whether the pair would continue under India’s newly appointed ODI captain, Shubman Gill.
“They have given everything to Indian cricket,” Gambhir said. “For now, they’re fully focused on this series. The rest will take care of itself.”
Last Dance in Front of Passionate Crowds
If this tour does indeed mark the final international appearance for the two Indian greats, the send-off couldn’t have been scripted better. The matches will take place across three of Australia’s most iconic venues — Perth (October 20), Adelaide (October 23), and Sydney (October 25) — each expected to be filled with thousands of Indian fans.
Australia’s large Indian diaspora has already ensured a festive atmosphere, with tickets nearly sold out across all three games. For fans who have followed Kohli and Rohit’s careers for years, this series represents more than just a contest — it’s a chance to witness their heroes one last time.
From Kohli’s intense on-field persona and unmatched chase-master legacy to Rohit’s effortless timing and six-hitting artistry, the two have symbolized India’s cricketing dominance in the modern era. Both men were instrumental in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph and the 2013 Champions Trophy win — memories that still resonate with fans around the world.
Transition Underway for Team India
This ODI series is also the beginning of a new chapter for India, with Shubman Gill taking over the captaincy in the 50-over format for the first time. At 26, Gill represents the next generation of Indian cricket — calm, composed, and technically sound.
Gill’s leadership debut in Australia will be watched closely by selectors, analysts, and fans alike, as he navigates the challenge of leading a team that still includes towering veterans. Balancing respect for legends like Kohli and Rohit while stamping his own authority will be crucial in shaping India’s ODI future.
India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir has also signaled a focus on youth and long-term planning, especially with the Champions Trophy and the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon.
The Australian Perspective: Ashes Preparation in Focus
While India’s camp is abuzz with talk of transition and farewells, the Australian team sees this series as a key opportunity to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the next Ashes series.
Several Test regulars, including batter Travis Head and fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, are part of the ODI squad. For them, this series provides valuable match practice and rhythm-building ahead of a busy summer of red-ball cricket.
This series also marks Starc’s first international outing of the Australasian summer after retiring from T20 internationals earlier this year. The left-arm quick will aim to rediscover his rhythm and fitness before the longer format begins.
Marnus Labuschagne Seeks Redemption
Perhaps the most intriguing subplot within the Australian camp revolves around Marnus Labuschagne. The elegant right-hander was dropped from the Test squad earlier this year after a dip in form but has since roared back with consecutive centuries in the Sheffield Shield for Queensland.
Labuschagne’s recall to the ODI setup — as a replacement for injured all-rounder Cameron Green — offers him a platform to showcase his form and make a strong case for Test reinstatement. If he can replicate his domestic success in the 50-over format, his name will surely be back in contention for the Ashes squad.
Injury Setbacks for Australia
Cricket Australia confirmed that Cameron Green has been ruled out of the ODI series after suffering side soreness during training. The injury is not considered serious, but medical staff have advised rest, with Green expected to return for Sheffield Shield duties later in the season.
Adding to Australia’s challenges, skipper Pat Cummins continues to recover from a lower-back bone stress issue, casting doubt on his availability for the start of the Ashes. Cummins’ absence leaves a leadership gap that vice-captain Mitchell Marsh and experienced campaigners like Hazlewood will need to fill.
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey will also miss the opening game in Perth, with Josh Philippe set to take the gloves. In spin bowling, regular leggie Adam Zampa is being rested, paving the way for left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann to showcase his skills in one-day cricket.
The Bigger Picture: T20I Series and World Cup Preparation
The ODI series will be followed by a five-match T20I contest starting in Canberra on October 29. Both nations are treating this as a vital build-up for the 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
While the limited-overs formats differ significantly in pace and tactics, the short turnaround between the ODIs and T20Is ensures continuity and gives both sides a chance to test depth and adaptability.
For India, younger players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rinku Singh are expected to feature prominently in the T20Is, forming the nucleus of the team’s next-generation batting lineup.
Kohli and Rohit: Legends Who Redefined Modern Batting
Should this Australian tour mark the end of the road for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, their legacy will remain unparalleled in Indian cricket history.
Virat Kohli, with over 13,000 ODI runs and an average hovering near 58, is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the format. His unmatched consistency in run-chases and his relentless drive to win have made him a global sporting icon. His record against Australia, in particular, is extraordinary — countless innings of defiance, brilliance, and passion.
Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, changed the perception of an ODI opener forever. With three double-centuries in the format — a record unlikely to be broken soon — Rohit combined elegance with destructive power. His effortless six-hitting and ability to dominate bowlers once set in have thrilled fans for over a decade.
Together, they carried the weight of expectations for a billion fans, setting new benchmarks for professionalism and leadership.
Passing the Torch
The timing of their potential farewell feels fitting. Both have achieved everything possible in one-day cricket — World Cup glory, Champions Trophy success, personal milestones, and countless match-winning performances.
As India transitions to a new generation under Gill and Gambhir, the contributions of Kohli and Rohit will serve as a guiding light for young cricketers stepping onto the international stage. Their commitment, discipline, and hunger for excellence will continue to influence Indian cricket for years to come.
The Emotional Undercurrent
For the fans, this series is not just about results — it’s about saying thank you. From Perth to Sydney, expect emotional tributes, standing ovations, and a sea of blue in the stands. Chants of “Kohli! Kohli!” and “Rohit! Rohit!” will echo through the Australian stadiums, marking the end of an era that captivated audiences across generations.
Cricket Australia has reportedly prepared special moments of recognition during the series to honor the visiting legends, celebrating their contribution to the sport and the strong cricketing bond between India and Australia.
Looking Ahead
Regardless of the final outcomes of these matches, one truth stands out: the ODI series between India and Australia 2025 is set to be remembered not just for runs and wickets but for nostalgia and legacy.
For Indian cricket, it symbolizes a changing of the guard. For Australia, it’s an opportunity to sharpen their squad before the Ashes. And for cricket lovers worldwide, it’s a reminder of why the 50-over format continues to hold emotional weight in an age of fast-paced T20 tournaments.
As the first ball is bowled in Perth, it won’t just be another match — it will be the beginning of a farewell tour for two of the game’s greatest artists. Whether or not Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma officially announce their retirements after this series, their impact will remain eternal.
If this truly is the last time Australian fans see the pair in blue, it’s safe to say that the sport will witness not a goodbye, but a standing ovation that echoes across continents.
