India legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may appear for the last time in the International Australia ODI Series. Image by: Reuter
(The Post News) Australian cricket fans may be witnessing the end of an era as Indian legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could make their final international appearances during the upcoming one-day series in Australia, starting in Perth on Sunday.
Between them, Kohli (36) and Sharma (38) have featured in nearly 600 ODIs. Both now play only in the 50-over format, and with no confirmation about their future beyond this tour, speculation is growing that the three-match series may be their international swansong.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir remained guarded when asked whether the two veterans would continue playing under new ODI captain Shubman Gill, who will lead India for the first time in Australia.
Kohli and Sharma last trophy together
The pair last represented India in March’s Champions Trophy final, where they helped secure victory over New Zealand. If this indeed marks their farewell, it will unfold before packed stadiums filled with passionate Indian fans across Perth, Adelaide (October 23), and Sydney (October 25).
For Australia, the series offers valuable match practice for several Test regulars, including Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc ahead of the Ashes. Starc, who has retired from T20 internationals, will make his first international appearance of the Australasian summer.
Australia will additionally be without wicketkeeper Alex Carey and spinner Adam Zampa for the Perth opener. Josh Philippe takes over behind the stumps, while left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann earns a rare ODI opportunity.
The three ODIs will be followed by a five-match T20 series starting in Canberra on October 29, as both teams build towards next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
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