Rohit Sharma Shows Interest in Playing Unofficial ODIs vs Australia A Before Australia Tour: Reports

Rohit Sharma is reportedly set to play in the three unofficial ODIs between India A and Australia A in Kanpur from September 30 to October 5, just before India’s big tour to Australia. This will be his first international game since leading India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 back in March. After the IPL, Rohit hasn’t been active in cricket and also announced his retirement from Tests shortly after the Champions Trophy final. These matches will give him a good chance to get ready for the upcoming tour, where India will face Australia in 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is.

According to RevSportz, Rohit Sharma has shown interest in playing the three unofficial ODIs against Australia A to prepare for India’s tour of Australia starting October 19. Despite starting his training a month ago, the Hitman wants to face Australia A to ensure he's fully match-ready and not underprepared for the tour. This news comes amid reports suggesting that the series against Australia could potentially be Rohit’s last.

India’s tour of Australia in October-November will include three ODIs and five T20Is. The ODIs are scheduled in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney on October 19, 23, and 25. There’s a growing sentiment in Mumbai cricket circles that this could be Rohit Sharma’s final international series. 

ODI is the only format Rohit Sharma is currently active in, having retired from T20Is in 2024 and Tests in May 2025. Earlier reports indicated that the selectors are looking beyond him for the 2027 ODI World Cup. It was also mentioned that Rohit would be asked to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting in December 2025, to remain in contention for a spot in the ODI team.

Captaincy Uncertainty: Who Will Lead India After Rohit?

Rohit Sharma’s international career is nearing its end, but he showed his class in India’s last ODI, the Champions Trophy final, where he was named Player of the Match for his 76 off 83 balls against New Zealand. With Indian cricket moving in a new direction under coach Gautam Gambhir and Rohit turning 40 by the time of the next ODI World Cup, the selectors are starting to plan for the future. The focus on rebuilding in Tests began with the England tour, and the ODI recalibration is expected to kick off after the Australia tour. 

There’s no decision yet on the captaincy for the upcoming series, with Rohit still holding the role after leading India to an ICC Trophy win. ODI planning will begin after the Asia Cup. Rohit is one of the best in ODI cricket history, with over 11,000 runs and 32 centuries. His career deserves a fitting farewell. The three unofficial ODIs between India A and Australia A will take place in Kanpur on September 30, October 3, and 5, giving Rohit a chance to get ready for the Australia tour.

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