Two connected storylines dominated the discourse of what otherwise was a dead-rubber between India and Australia in Sydney: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing their last internationals down under, a country
against which they made their name, and secondly, was it their last-ever match for India, too?
Although there were a few hints about it, the fear of their retirement had taken hold of their fans slowly as they called off their careers in T20Is in 2024 and in Tests earlier this year. But while the first story played out quite as expected, the second was left a bit up in the air.
In a post-match interview on the ground, moments after their unbeaten 168-run stand had secured a nine-wicket win for India to prevent a series whitewash, broadcaster and Australia legend Adam Gilchrist seemed to be attempting to nudge them to speak about their futures. He mentioned the 2027 World Cup a couple of times directly, just like it has been trending in Indian news headlines since well before this series’ beginning.
However, neither Kohli nor Rohit gave him a direct answer.
“We want to say thank you as well,” Kohli said. “I mean, we love coming to this country and playing in front of such big crowds, and yeah, we played some of our best cricket here as well. So thank you very much for welcoming us so well. You guys are brilliant. We’ve never felt short of support here.”
Rohit signed off by adding, “Thank you, Australia. Thank you.”
Watch it here:
View this post on Instagram
Rohit would be 40 and Kohli 39 by the time the 2027 World Cup begins in two years. Rohit was only recently removed from ODI captaincy, signaling that the selectors don’t consider him a certainty for the marquee tournament and instead want him to earn that place.
India will next play ODIs against South Africa at home next month. Captain Shubman Gill’s post-match quotes seemed to suggest that both players will be picked for that series at least but after that, the fight for relevance will begin all over again.
