Rohit and Kohli Poised for Comeback: ODI Squad Reveal Against Australia This Saturday

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are gearing up for their return to international cricket. These two stalwarts of Indian cricket, focusing currently on the one-day format, are set to join the squad for the three-match ODI series in Australia.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is slated to announce the squad on Saturday, October 4. Kohli and Rohit, absent from Indian representation since the Champions Trophy in February-March, are anticipated to make their comeback.

Both players recently announced their retirement from T20Is following India’s triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup and confirmed their withdrawal from Test cricket, paving the way for Shubman Gill to head a relatively unseasoned batting lineup in both the ongoing series in England and against the West Indies.

A significant topic during the selection meeting will be the captaincy for the ODIs, with discussions around whether Rohit will continue as captain. The selectors intend to consult with him directly regarding this decision. Recently, Rohit successfully passed his fitness test at the BCCI centre of excellence in Bengaluru.

Besides Rohit and Kohli, most members of the Champions Trophy-winning squad are likely to be chosen for the ODIs. Notably, Shreyas Iyer, a standout performer and the highest scorer for India in that victory, is expected to retain his place in the ODI lineup.

There remains a question about Iyer’s potential return to the T20I side. With the selectors able to choose beyond 15 players for the bilateral series, there is room for Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal, both of whom narrowly missed inclusion in the Asia Cup squad. Additionally, the selectors must decide if it’s time to integrate Abhishek Sharma, currently a standout in the T20 circuit, into the ODI team.

India is scheduled to tour Australia in October-November, beginning with the ODI series set for October 19 (Perth), October 23 (Adelaide), and October 25 (Sydney). This will be followed by a five-match T20I series from October 29 to November 8, with the T20I squad anticipated to be announced alongside the ODI roster.