The Indian cricket landscape is about to witness a massive void as the two titans of the game, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, prepare for an extended hiatus from international duties. While the action continues for Team India, the 'Hitman' and 'King Kohli' will be watching from the sidelines for a significant period, leaving millions of fans wondering when they will see their icons back in the blue jersey.
Following the conclusion of the ODI series against New Zealand, the focus shifts to the shortest format of the game. However, neither Rohit nor Virat features in the T20I squad. The selectors have opted for a youthful transition under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. Even Shubman Gill, a regular across formats, has been excluded from the T20 setup. This confirms that the veteran duo is now being preserved for the longer formats, specifically ODIs and Test cricket, leading to a long break from national duties.
The T20 World Cup and IPL Gap
The upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in February will also miss the presence of these two legends. While the world competes for the trophy, Kohli and Rohit will be preparing for the grueling IPL season starting in late March. Although fans will get a glimpse of them in their respective franchise colors, the emotional connect of seeing them represent India will remain unfulfilled for nearly half a year. The transition phase in Indian T20 cricket has effectively pushed the return of these veterans to the mid-summer of 2025.
The Grand Return: England Tour in July
The wait will finally end in July 2025 when India travels to England for a high-profile white-ball series. The tour consists of five T20Is and three ODIs. Given the current selection trends, Rohit and Kohli are expected to skip the T20I. Leg starting July 1st and make their grand international comeback in the ODI series. July 14th is the date circled in red by cricket enthusiasts, as it marks the first ODI where the legendary pair is expected to take the field together for India again.
Road to World Cup 2027
This extended break is a strategic move to prolong the careers of India's most decorated modern-day batters. With the 2027 ODI World Cup being the ultimate goal, workload management has become paramount. Neither player has shown any signs of retiring from the 50-over format, and the England series will serve as a crucial benchmark for their fitness and form heading into the next cycle of ICC events.
India vs England ODI Series Schedule
For those counting down the days, here is the official schedule for the ODI series in England. The first match will take place on July 14, followed by the second ODI on July 16. The tour will conclude with the third and final ODI on July 19. While the gap is long and the wait might feel eternal for die-hard fans, the return of Kohli and Rohit in English conditions promises to be a spectacle worth waiting for.
