Virat Kohli is set to make his long-awaited return to the Indian team after seven months. The wait to see him back in Indian colours is almost over, as India prepare to face Australia in a three-match ODI series beginning on 19th October in Perth and concluding on 25th October in Sydney.
The series will also mark the comeback of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who last played for India during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where both delivered solid performances. Since then, the duo have been away from international cricket following their retirements from Tests and T20Is.
In recent weeks, speculation has grown around the future of both veterans. Reports suggest that their hopes of featuring in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 are uncertain, as team management is focusing on younger players.
Virat Kohli: The discussion intensified after Rohit Sharma was replaced by Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain, with the management stating it was impractical to have different captains for each format. Selectors have also indicated that both Kohli and Rohit must prove their form in domestic cricket to remain in contention for future selections.
This upcoming Australia series could prove crucial for both legends, potentially shaping the course of their international careers. Despite the outside noise, both appeared relaxed and upbeat as they boarded the flight to Perth, with a positive and lively team atmosphere surrounding their return.
Virat Kohli: “The only time you truly fail is when you decide to give up.”
Amid the ongoing buzz, Virat Kohli grabbed all the attention with a cryptic post on Twitter ahead of India’s much-awaited comeback. His message read: “The only time you truly fail is when you decide to give up.”
The only time you truly fail, is when you decide to give up.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 16, 2025
The statement seemingly puts an end to the swirling retirement rumours. All eyes will now be on Kohli as he gears up for the upcoming Australia tour, where he’ll once again be a vital figure for Team India. During the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Kohli finished as India’s second-highest run-scorer and will be determined to carry that momentum forward.
