Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma delivered standout performances across formats in 2025, focusing on ODIs after Test retirements while shining in IPL and domestic cricket. The India duo showcased their class
across ODI tournaments for India in the last calendar year.
As the year 2026 has arrived, they will be eyeing to continue their dominance for India in the 50-over format, especially with the ODI World Cup in 2027 a key focus.
Virat Kohli's 2025 Highlights
Kohli retired from Tests in May at age 37 with a career average of 46.85, but managed just 23 runs in one match that year. In ODIs, he scored 651 runs in 13 matches at 65.10, including 3 centuries and 4 fifties, key to India's Champions Trophy win.
IPL saw him amass 657 runs in 15 games for RCB at a strike rate of 144, securing his first title; Vijay Hazare added 131 and 77 in two outings.
Rohit Sharma's 2025 Highlights
Rohit retired from Tests in April at 38 after 4,301 career runs at 40.57, with limited 2025 impact. ODIs brought 650 runs in 14 matches at 50.00, with 2 centuries, captaining India to Champions Trophy glory before handing over to Shubman Gill. In IPL for MI, he hit 418 runs in 15 matches at 149 strike rate with 22 sixes; Vijay Hazare featured 155 vs Sikkim but Rohit ended the year with a duck against Uttarakhand.
Head-to-Head Stats Comparison
| Format | Virat Kohli | Rohit Sharma |
|---|---|---|
| ODIs (Runs) | 651 (13 inns, avg 65.10) | 650 (14 inns, avg 50.00) |
| ODIs (100s/50s) | 3/4 | 2/4 |
| IPL (Runs) | 657 (15 matches, avg 54) | 418 (15 matches, avg 29.85) |
| Tests (2025) | 23 runs (1 match, avg 11.50) | No Match |
What Lies ahead for Virat, Rohit in 2026
Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to start the year in India colours as they play in the upcoming New Zealand ODI series. Virat is tipped to play even a Vijay Hazare Trophy match before that on January 6. Following that, the duo will focus on IPL 2026 for their respective teams.
India will play in a number of ODI series after the IPL, and the two veterans are set to feature in them if selected. With the ODI World Cup in the sight, Rohit and Virat both have to perform and keep themselves fit as they look to remain in contention for the squad next year.
How many matches will Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma play for India in 2026?
The Indian cricket team will play six ODI series across the calendar year of 2026. If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are picked for all of them, and if they feature in all of the matches this year, they can play a maximum of 18 ODI matches in 2026. India will play multiple three-match series in this calendar year and their opponents are - New Zealand (H), Afghanistan (H), New Zealand (A), West Indies (H), Sri Lanka (H) and England (A).
