BCCI to give final decision on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future after South Africa ODIs

According to a report in the Times of India, senior BCCI officials, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar will meet in Ahmedabad after the third ODI next week in Visakhapatnam.

The meeting will help give a clear idea about the future roles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The management may also look at possible backup players. A BCCI official said that big players like Rohit and Kohli should know what the team expects from them, and they should not be left unsure about their future.

“It is very important that players like Rohit and Kohli are told clearly what is expected from them and how the management sees their roles. They should not be made to play with doubts,” the BCCI source said.The report said that the BCCI has told Rohit Sharma to focus on his fitness and performance, and not worry about the rumours about his future. In the upcoming meeting with Rohit and Virat Kohli, the board will also explain the concerns shared by the selectors and the team management.

Staying at top fitness has become difficult for both Rohit and Kohli because they now play only one format. Even though they scored runs in the last ODI against Australia, officials felt that the series was already gone by then. A source said, “They did score in the third ODI, but the series was already lost, and the bowlers had already set up the match in the first innings. They looked rusty in the first two games, and the team can’t afford that in every series.”

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning a review meeting with the selectors, the captain, coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The main topic will be the future of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, keeping the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind.

Rohit and Kohli last played ODI cricket in Australia, where India lost the series 1-2. Both returned to the team after almost seven months following the Champions Trophy 2025 final. Kohli got out for zero in the first two matches, but in the final game, he and Rohit helped India win.

The team management feels Rohit Sharma must keep playing his natural attacking game. In Australia, he looked more careful and took more time to get set. Rohit and Virat Kohli are expected to set the tone at the top of the order so that the younger batters feel confident around them.

Sources said, “He is expected to lead from the front as a fearless opener. Conditions in Australia were difficult, but it looked like he was avoiding risks. Both Rohit and Virat need to guide the batting unit and make things easier for the younger players.”

The board also wants Virat and Rohit to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy next month. Before the season ends, India will play a home ODI series against New Zealand in January, and then a three-match ODI tour of England in July.

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by Dwijesh November 29, 2025