Virat Kohli Predicted To Follow Rohit Sharma In ODI Retirement

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]

Speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma's ODI future continues to dominate headlines, and now former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has made a bold prediction involving Virat Kohli as well. 

The former cricketer believes that if Rohit Sharma is pushed towards retirement, Virat Kohli could also decide to bring the curtain down on his ODI career.

Notably, the discussion around Rohit Sharma's ODI future intensified ahead of India's third and final ODI against England at Lord's. Reports have suggested that the Indian opener could be considering his future in 50-over format.

Furthermore, The Indian Express reported that the Indian team management does not have the veteran opener in its plans for 2027 ODI World Cup. Instead, the selectors are reportedly keen to give Yashasvi Jaiswal an extended run in the ODI side after patiently waiting for his opportunity.

Basit Ali Warns Against Forcing Rohit Sharma Out

However, Basit Ali believes Rohit Sharma should continue playing as long as he is performing well enough to justify his place in the team.

According to the former Pakistan batter, judging the Indian skipper solely on the basis of a few recent performances would be unfair. Additionally, Basit cautioned that any pressure placed on Rohit could also have an impact on Kohli's future plans.

"If he continues to perform, he should keep playing. Right now, if you want to judge him solely on the basis of his performances in the two matches in England or on Gautam Gambhir's likes and dislikes, then you should also keep Virat Kohli in mind," Basit said on his YouTube channel.

He further added: "If today it is Rohit's turn, then next time it could be Virat's. Given the way Virat retired from Test cricket, there is a possibility that both of them could announce their retirements at Lord's. If too much pressure is applied, I feel such a decision could end up being made, which would be a huge mistake, because the cricketing world still wants to watch Virat play."

Also Read: 3 Times Rohit Sharma Saved Himself From Getting Dropped From Indian Team

Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma Retired From T20Is and Tests together

Notably, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirement from T20Is on June 29, 2024, immediately after India's memorable seven-run win over South Africa in ICC Men's T20 World Cup final in Barbados.

Later, both batting stalwarts also stepped away from Tests. Notably, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the longest format on May 7, 2025, while Virat Kohli followed five days later, confirming his decision on May 12, 2025.

Virat Kohli Faces Pressure Despite Cardiff Fifty

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is also under increasing pressure despite producing a fighting half-century in the 2nd ODI against England. With the star batter now 38 years old, expectations remain high, and the pressure to deliver consistently in every innings continues to grow.

The former India captain scored a fluent 65 off 66 balls, striking 8 fours during his innings. However, his effort was not enough to prevent India from suffering a four-wicket defeat.

At the same time, Rohit Sharma has struggled to score runs consistently throughout the series, further increasing speculation over his future.

Also Read: Did Rohit Sharma Dig Own Grave By Inviting Gautam Gambhir To Coach Indian Team?