Melbourne: Indian cricket fans may be witnessing the final appearances of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the One Day International (ODI) format during the upcoming three-match series against Australia, commencing in Perth on October 19, 2025. At 36 and 38 years old, respectively, both players have transitioned out of Test and T20 cricket, leaving them active only in the 50-over format. Their participation in this series could mark the end of an era for Indian cricket, especially among Australia's large Indian community.
The series will be held across Perth, Adelaide (October 23), and Sydney (October 25), offering fans a final opportunity to witness the duo's prowess on Australian soil. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has remained tight-lipped about the future of Kohli and Rohit under new ODI captain Shubman Gill, who is leading the squad for the first time in Australia. Their last appearance was in the Champions Trophy final in March, where India defeated New Zealand.
For Australia, the series serves as preparation for the upcoming Ashes, with players like Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc returning to action. Marnus Labuschagne has been called up to replace the injured Cameron Green, while Pat Cummins and Alex Carey are also unavailable due to injury. The ODI series will be followed by a five-match T20I series starting October 29 in Canberra, as both teams gear up for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
As the cricketing world watches closely, this series could be a poignant farewell to two of India's most iconic players in the 50-over format.