Why is Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s return to international cricket getting delayed? Know here

Fans of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are eagerly waiting for their return to international cricket. Ever since the two Indian cricketing icons announced their retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, speculation has been rampant about when they would next don the Indian jersey in limited-overs formats. Both Rohit and Virat have left a deep impact on Indian cricket, and their absence from the field has created a void that many believe can’t easily be filled. The wait for their comeback, however, seems to be growing longer. Initial hopes of seeing the duo in action during the India-Bangladesh series in August 2025 were dashed when the BCCI had to postpone the tour due to rising internal tensions in Bangladesh. That decision not only disrupted India’s short-term schedule but also delayed what was believed to be a soft launch for the veterans’ return to white-ball cricket. Further fuelling fan anticipation, there were media reports suggesting that India would play a white-ball series against Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka Cricket has not confirmed any such fixtures, leaving the situation uncertain and supporters disappointed once again.

So, when will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to international cricket? As per current indications, all signs point toward the highly anticipated Australia tour in October 2025. The tour will feature three One-Day Internationals and five T20 Internationals, and it is likely to be the first time fans see Rohit and Virat back in Indian colours since their Test

retirements. This tour could serve as a launchpad for their final chapter in international cricket. Virat Kohli, speaking at a recent program, shared his desire to end his international career on a high by helping India win the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, has remained away from media but is said to be focusing on fitness and workload management, according to sources close to the team. Both players know that time is not on their side, and every game from now on will be critical in their journey toward a fitting farewell.

Experts believe that the duo’s comeback and future in international cricket are closely tied to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be held in South Africa. This tournament could well be the last ICC event in which both stalwarts participate, and the one title that still eludes them as a pair. Having missed out on World Cup glory together despite several deep runs in past editions, the hunger to sign off with a major trophy still burns brightly. According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to hold discussions regarding their future very soon. A senior BCCI official was quoted as saying, “Yes, it will be discussed soon. The next World Cup is still more than two years away. Both Kohli and Rohit will be 40 years old by then, so there should be a clear plan for this big event, as our last victory was in 2011. We will also have to try some youngsters in time.”

While the board wants to give the younger generation a platform to perform and transition into leadership roles, it also recognises the importance of experience in global tournaments. The ideal scenario would be a blend of youth and experience, where Kohli and Rohit serve as guiding forces, both on and off the field. The return of these two legends could also re-energise the Indian dressing room and bring back the hunger to dominate world cricket. If fitness and form align, fans may just witness one final glorious run from two of the greatest batters in Indian cricket history.