Cricket fans in Australia and around the world are gearing up for an emotional series as India’s legendary batting duo, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, may take the field for the final time in international cricket during the three-match ODI series starting Sunday in Perth. With nearly 600 ODIs combined, both Kohli (36) and Rohit (38) have defined an era of Indian batting dominance, but uncertainty surrounds their future beyond this tour.
The series against Australia could mark the end of an illustrious chapter in Indian cricket history, as the two stalwarts remain active only in the 50-over format. Their participation in the ODI series has generated immense excitement among fans, particularly across Australia’s large Indian diaspora, who see this as their last opportunity to witness the duo live in action.
India’s New Era Under Shubman Gill
Adding intrigue to the series, Shubman Gill will make his debut as India’s ODI captain in Australia, succeeding Rohit Sharma. When asked about the future of Kohli and Rohit, head coach Gautam Gambhir remained tight-lipped, neither confirming nor denying the possibility of their retirement.
The duo last featured in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, where India triumphed over New Zealand, a fitting reminder of their enduring brilliance. However, with a new generation led by Gill, the team appears to be preparing for a transition phase.
The India vs Australia ODI series 2025 will see matches hosted in Perth (October 19), Adelaide (October 23), and Sydney (October 25). The venues are expected to be packed with fans waving tricolours, as Indian supporters turn out in large numbers to celebrate what could be the farewell series for their cricketing icons.
Australia’s Preparations for the Ashes
For Australia, the series serves as vital preparation for the upcoming Ashes series, with several key Test players returning to action. Travis Head, along with seasoned pacers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, will use the ODIs to fine-tune their rhythm ahead of the red-ball season.
The Perth match will also mark Mitchell Starc’s first international appearance of the Australasian summer, following his retirement from T20 internationals.
Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne—a late replacement for injured all-rounder Cameron Green—will look to extend his stellar domestic form. Having scored back-to-back centuries for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield, Labuschagne aims to cement his place for an Ashes recall after being dropped from the Test squad for the West Indies tour.
Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday that Cameron Green has been ruled out due to low-grade side soreness, while skipper Pat Cummins continues to recover from lower back bone stress. Regular wicketkeeper Alex Carey and spinner Adam Zampa will also miss the Perth opener, with Josh Philippe taking the gloves and Matt Kuhnemann set to feature as the left-arm spin option.
Looking Ahead to the T20 World Cup
Following the ODIs, both teams will turn their focus to the five-match T20I series beginning October 29 in Canberra, part of their build-up to the T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
As cricket enthusiasts anticipate high-intensity clashes, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, whose potential swansong in Australia could mark the end of an extraordinary era in Indian cricket.
