On 7 October 2008, Sourav Ganguly surprised everyone with this dramatic announcement at the end of a routine press conference ahead of the four-Test series against Australia at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The former captain smiled and walked away without taking questions. Ganguly had a good sense of drama, right?

On 9 March 2025, Rohit Sharma said an hour after leading India to their third Champions Trophy title, "One more thing. I am not retiring from this format, so that no further rumours spread." There were rumours before the final that this would be his last match, or that he has been forced to retire. But all these speculations proved to be false.

Rohit Sharma had announced retirement from T20s

Rohit Sharma, who ended India's 11-year ICC trophy drought by winning the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean last June, added another title eight months later. According to him, he is not retiring from 50-over internationals just yet. India have a number of ODIs this year, but the next one will be on the Bangladesh tour in August. That three-match series will be followed by matches against Australia and South Africa. At the moment, Rohit is available for these nine matches.

His teammate for the last decade and a half, Virat Kohli, has not made any public announcement about his ODI future, indicating that his last match is yet to come. Kohli has retired from the T20 format after the T20 World Cup win. It can be assumed that like Rohit, he too will continue to play in ODI cricket, although he had said that the team is in 'good hands'.

What is the plan ahead?

Now the question arises: what next? The Champions Trophy win has added a new layer to ODI cricket. Rohit Sharma has been in his best form for the last two and a half years, and Kohli has been consistently excelling for the last 15 years. They have not lost their sheen. Rohit has played away from his natural style, but his match-winning ability remains. Kohli is still a chase master, although it was disappointing to get out cheaply in the final. Kohli is among the fittest players in the Indian team, and Rohit is also excellent in cricket fitness.

When they are available, it is difficult to ignore them. But with two and a half years to go for the next World Cup, Rohit Sharma will be 40 and Kohli close to 39. In such a situation, it is necessary to consider the process of rebuilding and transition of the team. This is not the time to get carried away by emotions. Emotion and passion have to be balanced with practicality and foresight.

This is difficult for Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar

This is a sensitive issue for head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. They will have to exercise caution and sensitivity in their conversations with Rohit Sharma and Kohli. Both the players are pillars of Indian cricket, and their experience should be respected. But keeping in mind the future of the team, it is also necessary to take the right decision at the right time.