India veteran Virat Kohli practiced at the indoor nets at Lord’s in London to prepare for their next ODI challenge. According to a RevSportz report, Kohli spent close to two hours in an intense training session.
He faced both spin and pace, trying out a variety of strokes and batting with full focus. His preparation suggested that he is still keen on continuing in the ODI format.
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India will face Australia in a three-match ODI series, starting October. The games are being seen as important preparation for the team while keeping the debate alive on the future of senior players prior to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Also read: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Start Training Focusing On Australia ODIs
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI Future Under the Scanner
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have already retired from T20Is and Test cricket. Both stepped away from T20Is after winning the 2024 World Cup and in May this year, they announced their decision to quit Tests as well. At present, ODIs remain their only active format.
However, reports suggest that the selectors and the team management are unsure about including the two in long-term ODI plans. By the time of the 2027 World Cup, both players will be nearing 40. There is a view that the team management needs to groom younger players. This has led to constant speculation about how long Kohli and Rohit will continue in the format.
For now, Kohli’s training in London shows that he is still fully invested in ODIs. His performance in the upcoming series against Australia may have a say in how the selectors view his future.
Rajeev Shukla on Farewell Talk
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has rejected suggestions of a farewell series for Kohli and Rohit. Speaking on a podcast, he said there is no question of planning a send-off when both players are still available for ODIs.
"When did they retire? Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will both play one-dayers. So, if they are playing, why are you worried about a farewell series? Yes, they have retired from two formats in phases, but they are playing in ODIs, right? No need to overthink about it," Shukla said as quoted on a podcast shared by UPT20 League.
"Our policy at the BCCI is very clear. We don't tell any player to retire. A player makes that call himself. He has to decide, and we respect that. We can only decide something when it's official. Virat Kohli is extremely fit, and Rohit Sharma has been playing so well. Why are you worried about a farewell?” he added.
Also read: Virat Kohli dismisses talks of ODI retirement; Drops massive hint on grand return
