A Viral Moment in London
A recent image of a man with a graying beard, wearing a cap and overcoat, captured on a London street, spread like wildfire across social media. The sight left many gazing with a sigh, recognizing the unmistakable aura of Virat “King” Kohli. Whether dominating as a batsman or energizing the field, Kohli remains a super brand in the cricket world. Far from the frenzied crowds of India, he was spotted living as an ordinary man, enjoying time with his family in London, exuding a starry charm.
Mumbai’s Star on the Move
Meanwhile, another image grabbed headlines in India. Mumbai’s own Rohit Sharma was seen cruising through the city with his family in a sleek new Lamborghini. The national media spotlighted a unique detail: the car’s registration number was linked to the birthdays of his two children. As the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international matches take a break, both Kohli and Sharma are cherishing family time during this extended hiatus.
A Shift in Careers
Having retired from Test cricket in 2020, both players had previously announced they would only occasionally don the Indian jersey for One Day Internationals (ODIs). However, a bombshell report in Dainik Jagran, one of India’s most widely read dailies, shook the cricket world on a recent Sunday. The article claimed that Kohli and Sharma might bid farewell to ODIs following India’s Australia tour in October. This revelation was unexpected, as many assumed their ODI careers would extend to the 2027 World Cup.
The Retirement Rumor
The Dainik Jagran report suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has set a condition: players must participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to be considered for the ODI World Cup team. With no international matches scheduled during the tournament’s group stage, running from December 25 to January, speculation arose that both stars might announce their retirement. This rumor carries weight, as Indian cricket speculations—like Kohli’s retirement and Shubman Gill’s rise to captaincy—often prove true.
A Glimpse into the Future
The 2020 ODI World Cup, set for October-November in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, will see Kohli at 39 and Sharma at 40. With a deep pool of young talent waiting in the wings, questions arise about whether India will continue to rely on these veterans. The BCCI, responding to the rumors via PTI, stated, “If Kohli and Rohit have something on their minds, they will tell the BCCI, as they did before the England Test tour. Our main target is the 2026 World Cup in February and the upcoming Asia Cup. We’re only focused on the players and team for those.” Notably, the BCCI neither confirmed nor denied the retirement reports.
Upcoming Challenges
India is gearing up for a packed ODI schedule, starting with the Australia tour in October, followed by a three-match home series against South Africa from November 20, and further series against New Zealand in January and England in July. If Kohli and Sharma choose not to retire, fans will have ample opportunities to see them in action.
Recent Triumphs
The duo’s most recent appearance was at this year’s Champions Trophy, where India, under Sharma’s leadership, clinched the title without losing a single match. Sharma’s pivotal performance in the final silenced critics, while Kohli delivered standout performances, including against Pakistan. In the subsequent IPL season, both players proved their class remains untarnished.
A New Era or Extended Legacy?
With poor performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy forcing both to return to domestic cricket, and subsequent retirement announcements, the question looms: Is ODI cricket on the cusp of a new era, much like Test cricket? Or should these legends be granted more time to shine? As the cricketing world debates, one thing is clear—their legacy is monumental, but the future remains uncertain.
What’s your take? Should Kohli and Sharma continue to lead, or is it time for the next generation to take the reins?
