Bhubaneswar : There has been immense excitement among cricket fans about the much-anticipated return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to international action during India’s three-match ODI series in Australia this October. However, recent reports suggest that the duo may not make an early comeback in the preparatory India A games against Australia A. A senior BCCI official revealed, “It’s highly unlikely that they will play the three India A games. No call has been taken, and it will not be forced upon them.” Fans will have to wait until the main series to see the veterans back in action.
Both Kohli and Rohit are fully fit and available for the Australia ODIs, but if they feel the need for game time, they might participate in one or two warm-up matches. The board, however, is leaving that decision entirely up to them. Rohit Sharma, still the ODI captain, faces questions about his future leadership role given the rise of young players like Shubman Gill, captain of the Test side. Kohli and Rohit last played competitive cricket internationally during the ICC Champions Trophy final in March 2025, where Rohit was Player of the Match, reminding fans of their immense value to the team .
With India A’s three ODIs against Australia A scheduled from September 30 to October 5 in Kanpur, all eyes will be on the selections and the main team announcement. As one official put it, “They are very much fit and available for the Australia ODIs,” underlining that while their early return now seems doubtful, their starring roles may still lie ahead as the team travels Down Under .
The cricketing fraternity awaits with bated breath to see if Kohli and Rohit can recapture their best form and guide India to victories on Australian soil. Until then, the question remains—will the legendary duo make a timely return, or will patience be the key for Indian cricket fans this season?
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