Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli retire from tests; Australia plans grand ODI farewell

Indian cricket witnessed the end of an era as captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on March 7, followed by Virat Kohli on March 12. Both heroes, fresh off the 2024 T20 World Cup win, have bowed out of Tests, leaving a significant gap in the red-ball arena.

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The farewell of the "two legends" came with subtlety, cricket’s traditional dignified exit, sacrificing grandeur for restraint. Australia, however, has vowed to honor them in style. With only limited chances in ODIs post-Test retirement, Cricket Australia is reportedly organizing a special send-off during India’s tour in October. The gesture acknowledges that neither Rohit nor Kohli is assured selection, so Australia intends to mark their last appearances for India in sublime fashion.

🚨 FAREWELL FOR KOHLI AND ROHIT. 🚨

- Cricket Australia is planning a special farewell for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during India's ODI tour as it'll potentially be their last matches Down Under. (Cricexec). pic.twitter.com/N7m6soDoJD

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)

🚨 FAREWELL FOR KOHLI AND ROHIT. 🚨

- Cricket Australia is planning a special farewell for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during India's ODI tour as it'll potentially be their last matches Down Under. (Cricexec). pic.twitter.com/N7m6soDoJD

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 8, 2025

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Rohit, 38, and Kohli, 36, both aim to continue in one-day internationals through the 2027 World Cup, planning to retire post-tournament if still in form and selection-ready. Their Test exits, though preemptive, allow for a graceful transition toward the next generation. Australia's tribute underscores the respect they command globally .

Behind the strategy lies a broader recognition: both batters sealed their legacies with the 2024 T20 World Cup win, making their departures from Tests more poignant but triumphant. Now, as they shift focus to ODIs, cricket fans anticipate a fitting farewell, both at home and abroad.