Rohit, Kohli Poised For ODI Comeback; Squad To Be Revealed Saturday: Reports

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are poised to make their return to international cricket, featuring exclusively in the ODI format. Both stalwarts are expected to be included in India’s squad for the three-match ODI series in Australia, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) likely to announce the team on Saturday, October 4.

Kohli and Rohit, who last represented India during the Champions Trophy in February-March, have been absent from the national side since then. Following India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, both players retired from T20Is and recently confirmed their retirement from Test cricket, leaving Shubman Gill to lead a relatively inexperienced batting lineup in England and the ongoing Test series against the West Indies.

A key topic during the selection meeting will be the ODI captaincy, particularly whether Rohit will continue in the role. Reports indicate that selectors plan to consult him directly, and Rohit recently cleared his fitness assessment at the BCCI’s centre of excellence in Bengaluru.

Champions Trophy Winners Set For ODI Recall; Shreyas Iyer Likely To Retain Spot

Apart from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, most members of the Champions Trophy-winning side are expected to be recalled. Shreyas Iyer, India’s top scorer in that tournament and a vital contributor, is likely to retain his place in the ODI squad. The only uncertainty surrounds whether Iyer will also rejoin the T20I side.

Since the selectors can pick more than 15 players for the bilateral series, opportunities may exist for Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal, both of whom narrowly missed the Asia Cup squad. Additionally, the team may consider integrating Abhishek Sharma, one of the hottest talents in the T20 circuit, into the ODI setup.

India’s tour of Australia begins with the ODI series in October-November, featuring matches on October 19 (Perth), October 23 (Adelaide), and October 25 (Sydney). This will be followed by a five-match T20I series from October 29 to November 8, with the T20I squad expected to be announced alongside the ODI team.