Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma comeback further Delayed - Will they play for India in 2025?

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The much-anticipated return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to India's ODI lineup has been delayed yet again after the proposed limited-overs series against Sri Lanka was shelved.

This disappointment follows the earlier postponement of India's Bangladesh white-ball tour, creating a prolonged absence for the modern Indian greats.

India reject Sri Lanka Series

India was initially scheduled to tour Bangladesh in August 2025 for a three-match ODI and three-match T20I series. Both Kohli and Rohit, having retired from T20Is and Tests, were expected to feature prominently in these games, marking their first appearance in Indian colours since early 2025. However, due to security and diplomatic concerns in Bangladesh, both cricket boards pushed the tour to September 2026.

In response to this gap in India's calendar, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) swiftly proposed a six-match white-ball series-three ODIs and three T20Is, hoping to fill the void and give fans a chance to see Kohli and Rohit in action once more.

Despite SLC's eagerness, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did not accept the proposal. According to senior BCCI sources, though multiple boards offered to host India within the August window, the Indian board was not inclined to add fixtures before the Asia Cup.

"We will decide about the series, but it looks unlikely," a BCCI official clarified.

Virat and Rohit India comeback delayed

Having retired from two major formats, ODI cricket remains the sole international arena for both legends. With the latest developments, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will have to wait further for a return in the national colours.

The duo will now look ahead to India's next scheduled ODIs-three each against Australia (in October) and South Africa (in November-December).

Kohli and Rohit, key figures in India's recent cricketing triumphs, including the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy win, have not donned the national colours since March.

In the ODIs, Virat Kohli has been the flagbearer for India for the last decade or so. The 36-year-old has scored 14181 ODI runs at an average of 57.88 in ODIs. He also has 51 ODI centuries, the most on this planet.

Rohit also boasts a stellar ODI record. The India captain has amassed 11168 ODI runs in 273 runs, comprised of 32 centuries, with a highest score of 264 runs, which is the most by a player in ODI history.