Cricketing legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have carried the hopes of 1.4 billion fans for more than a decade, dominating every format and shaping India’s modern cricketing identity. But as the two veterans near the final chapters of their ODI careers, the debate over their farewell match has intensified.
Recently, Ravi Bishnoi, India’s rising leg-spinner, expressed shock at the way Kohli and Sharma’s retirements from Tests and T20Is were handled — urging the BCCI to ensure a proper ceremonial send-off when they decide to step away from ODIs.
With reports suggesting that both stalwarts might play their final ODI series against Australia in October 2025, the cricketing fraternity is calling for an iconic farewell worthy of their legendary careers.
🗣️ Ravi Bishnoi’s Emotional Statement ❤️
In a candid conversation on a YouTube cricket podcast, Bishnoi expressed disappointment over how Kohli and Rohit’s retirements from Tests and T20Is were handled:
“It is shocking because you always want to see them retire on the field. For such big legends, you want them to walk away amidst applause, not in silence. What they have done for India — no one comes close.”
Bishnoi further added that a grand ODI farewell would be the perfect tribute:
“You want them to get a good farewell. Maybe it will happen in ODIs whenever they choose to leave. No one can decide when a legend retires. But when both stepped away suddenly, it left two massive gaps in Indian cricket.”
🏏 Kohli & Rohit’s Legendary ODI Careers 🏆
No discussion about Indian cricket’s modern dominance is complete without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Their contribution to the ODI format has been monumental.
| Player | ODI Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s / 50s | Best Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 288 | 13,800+ | 57.1 | 93.5 | 50 / 72 | 183 |
| Rohit Sharma | 263 | 10,300+ | 49.5 | 91.2 | 32 / 54 | 264 |
🧩 Key Achievements
- Virat Kohli – nicknamed "The Chase Master", holds the record for most ODI centuries in history.
- Rohit Sharma – the only player with three ODI double centuries 🏹.
Together, they’ve led India to:
- ICC Champions Trophy 2025 🏆
- ICC T20 World Cup 2024 🏆
- Asia Cups 🥇
- Countless bilateral series wins.
🎇 The Retirement Timeline
Both legends have begun winding down their international careers:
- June 2024: India wins the T20 World Cup → Kohli & Rohit retire from T20Is 🏆
- May 2025: Kohli retires from Tests → Rohit follows within a week 📜
- March 2025: India clinches the Champions Trophy, their last ODI triumph together 🏆
- October 2025: Expected final ODI series vs Australia 🇦🇺
This potentially makes the Australia ODIs a historic farewell opportunity.
🤔 Should BCCI Plan a Kohli-Rohit ODI Farewell Series?
Fans, experts, and former cricketers alike believe BCCI owes these legends a grand send-off. Here’s why:
🎟️ 1. Global Fan Following 🌍
Virat and Rohit are global icons — their farewell could break stadium attendance records.
📈 2. Massive Viewership Boost
An official farewell series could skyrocket TV ratings and digital streaming numbers.
🏆 3. Celebration of an Era
From MS Dhoni’s leadership era to India’s modern dominance, Kohli and Rohit have been central pillars.
🎤 4. Marketing & Legacy Impact
A farewell tour could inspire younger generations and create a historic cultural moment for Indian cricket.
🇮🇳 What Fans Want: A Farewell Like Sachin Tendulkar’s 🎭
Many fans have compared this situation to Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell in 2013, where the Wankhede Stadium erupted into an emotional celebration of his cricketing journey.
Cricket fans believe Kohli and Rohit deserve something equally grand — if not bigger.
📅 India vs Australia ODI Series 2025: The Perfect Stage 🏟️
With the three-match ODI series against Australia scheduled in October 2025, sources indicate this could be the last dance for Kohli and Rohit in 50-over cricket.
📌 Probable ODI Schedule:
- 1st ODI – October 5, 2025
- 2nd ODI – October 8, 2025
- 3rd ODI – October 12, 2025
If confirmed, expect sold-out stadiums, special commemorations, and global fanfare.
🌐 Social Media Buzz 🔥
Since Bishnoi’s statement, hashtags like:
- #ThankYouKohli
- #FarewellRohit
- #BCCIListen
have trended nationwide, showing how invested fans are in celebrating their heroes.
📊 Kohli vs Rohit: ODI Career Impact Comparison
| Aspect | Virat Kohli | Rohit Sharma |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Run machine 🏃♂️ | Hitman 🎯 |
| Centuries | 50 | 32 |
| Best ODI Knock | 183 vs Pakistan | 264 vs Sri Lanka |
| ICC Titles | T20 WC 2024, CT 2025 | T20 WC 2024, CT 2025 |
| Match-Winning Knocks | Countless | Equally countless |
This isn’t just about stats — it’s about two giants who redefined Indian cricket.
🔮 What’s Next for Indian Cricket Without Kohli & Rohit?
With the legends nearing their ODI exits, India must prepare for:
- Grooming Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad as next-gen pillars.
- Finding a new captaincy core — Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul are frontrunners.
- Restructuring India’s ODI batting order for 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
❓ FAQs — Ravi Bishnoi on Kohli-Rohit Farewell
Q1. What did Ravi Bishnoi say about Kohli and Rohit’s retirement?
📌 Bishnoi urged BCCI to give them a proper ODI farewell honoring their legendary contributions.Q2. When will Kohli and Rohit retire from ODIs?
📌 Expected after the Australia ODI series in October 2025.Q3. Why is the farewell debate so important?
📌 Because both players are icons whose careers shaped modern Indian cricket.Q4. Will BCCI organize a special farewell series?
📌 No official confirmation yet, but massive fan pressure could make it happen.🏁 Final Thoughts
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma aren’t just cricketers — they are eras in themselves. Their ODI careers have defined India’s dominance in white-ball cricket, inspired millions of fans, and created unforgettable memories.
As Ravi Bishnoi rightly said, legends deserve a farewell befitting their stature. Whether it’s a special farewell ODI or a dedicated series, the cricketing world awaits an emotional send-off.