Rohit and Kohli set to return to international cricket after long break

India’s cricket icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to return to international action after an extended break, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expected to announce the squad for the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia on 4 October.

According to BCCI sources, the pair will feature in the three-match ODI series against Australia, marking their first appearance for India since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025. The tour will also include a five-match T20I series beginning later in October.

Rohit and Kohli who led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title announced their retirement from the shortest format shortly after the triumph and stepped away from Test cricket earlier this year. With both formats behind them, ODIs now remain their only international commitment as they look ahead to the 2027 World Cup.

The BCCI is expected to confirm the squad officially within the next few days, with both senior batters likely to be key figures in the 50-over format. Discussions are ongoing among selectors about whether Rohit Sharma will retain the ODI captaincy, and they plan to speak directly with him regarding the leadership role.

Rohit has already passed a fitness test at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, ensuring his readiness for the tour. Most of India’s Champions Trophy-winning squad are under consideration for the trip, including top performers such as Shreyas Iyer, who finished as India’s leading run-scorer in that tournament.

Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is also expected to be part of the squad, while selectors are reportedly impressed by Abhishek Sharma’s consistency in T20Is and are considering him for an ODI call-up.