Virat Kohli has returned to India to rejoin the national team ahead of their upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia, which begins on October 19. After spending nearly four months in London with his wife, Anushka Sharma, and their children, Kohli is now preparing for his first appearance in the national squad since March, following India’s Champions Trophy win.
Return to the National Squad
Kohli, who has retired from Test and T20I formats, will feature in India’s ODI lineup for the series against Australia. He is set to link up with the team in Delhi before they head to Perth for the first match. This marks a significant return for Kohli, who was last seen on the field during the Indian Premier League, where his performances helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure the title.
The 36-year-old will play under the leadership of Shubman Gill, who has been appointed as the new ODI captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma. While Rohit has stepped away from Test and T20I cricket, he will return to action for the ODI series after a six-month hiatus.
The Series Ahead
India’s white-ball tour of Australia will kick off with the first ODI at Perth Stadium on October 19, followed by two more matches at the Adelaide Oval on October 23 and Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25. The series will then transition into a five-match T20I leg, starting on October 29.
The last time India toured Australia for an ODI series was in 2020-21, where they lost 2-1. However, they bounced back by winning the T20I series by the same margin. With the 2027 ODI World Cup still two years away, the current series against Australia holds significant importance, especially for Kohli and Rohit, whose long-term international futures remain uncertain.
Future Prospects for Kohli and Rohit
At 36 and 38 years old, both Kohli and Rohit are showing signs of ageing, and questions about their involvement in future tournaments persist. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has described the series as a crucial test for the duo, suggesting that strong performances could play a pivotal role in determining their chances of being part of the 2027 World Cup squad.
As Kohli and Rohit approach the twilight years of their careers, their form in this series could be critical. Shastri, along with former players like Anil Kumble, has backed the veterans to perform at a high level despite the challenges posed by age. With the team eyeing the future, this series against Australia is set to offer a glimpse into the veterans’ ability to contribute to India’s success in the coming years.
For further insights into the upcoming ODI series, you can read about how Shastri and Kumble have backed Kohli and Rohit to make a significant impact here.
