Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Likely to Feature in ODIs Despite Workload Concerns.
The future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ODIs remains a topic of debate, but both are set to travel to Australia for the three-match ODI series starting October 19 in Perth. National selectors, however, may make a few changes to the squad due to fitness concerns and workload management.
Selectors are expected to finalize squads on Saturday, the third day of the ongoing first Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad. Injuries rule out Hardik Pandya (quadriceps) and Rishabh Pant (foot fracture), while Test skipper Shubman Gill may need rest after playing the Asia Cup and immediately featuring in the two-Test series. Gill could be rested for ODIs, T20Is, or both to manage his workload.
Rohit and Kohli, returning after a seven-month international hiatus following the Champions Trophy, have already shown form. Kohli scored a century against Pakistan and top-scored in the semi-final against Australia, while Rohit delivered a match-winning innings against New Zealand in the final. There is no indication of removing Rohit from his leadership role unless he chooses to focus solely on batting.
Both players have retired from Tests and T20Is, making them single-format specialists ahead of the 50-over World Cup in South Africa in 2027. With only six ODIs this season — three in Australia and three at home against New Zealand — selectors are unlikely to rush any decisions. The immediate focus remains the T20 World Cup at home and maximizing WTC points in the four home Tests in 2025. Promotional teasers by Jio Hotstar for the ODI series, featuring both players, hint at their inclusion.
Workload Challenges
India faces a packed schedule: eight matches (including five T20Is) in 19 days, with at least seven internal flights. If the first Test against West Indies runs till October 14, Gill’s fatigue becomes a factor.
Jasprit Bumrah is expected to play both Tests against South Africa, though a white-ball break in Australia seems likely given his recent workload and travel demands.
Opening Pair and All-Rounder Options
If Gill is rested, Rohit’s opening partner could be left-hander Abhishek Sharma or Yashasvi Jaiswal. Abhishek, who played two List A games against Australia A, offers balance with his left-arm spin.
With Pandya unavailable, Nitish Kumar Reddy is a likely replacement, while Shivam Dube remains an option despite untested bowling in Australian conditions. For the second wicketkeeper slot, Sanju Samson, with a strike rate near 100 and an average above 55 across 14 ODIs, could edge out Dhruv Jurel, with KL Rahul set to continue as the primary wicketkeeper-batsman.
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