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Former India cricketer and analyst Aakash Chopra has sparked debate by suggesting the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19, could mark the final international tournament for stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja. The trio, integral to India’s success for over a decade, may opt to bow out of ICC events post the eight-nation spectacle, with the 2027 ODI World Cup deemed too far in their career trajectories.
Retirement speculations of Indian trio gains momentum
Kohli (36), Rohit (37) and Jadeja (36) announced their T20I retirements after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, fuelling speculation about their ODI futures. Chopra, in his recent YouTube video, emphasized the Champions Trophy as a fitting finale, citing age and the absence of imminent ICC opportunities. “I am saying with a heavy heart… There is a strong possibility. The Champions Trophy is about to happen and after that, there will be another ICC event this year, which is the WTC final and we haven’t reached there. So none among Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja will play that,” Chopra said.
“After that, the ICC event next year is the T20 World Cup but all three have retired from that format. So all three won’t play there as well,” the cricketer-turned-commentator added.
Despite fluctuating Test performances, the trio showcased their ODI prowess during India’s recent series win over England. Kohli, a linchpin in ICC events, remains critical at the top order, while Rohit aims to cap his captaincy tenure with a third Champions Trophy title. Jadeja’s dual role as a spin all-rounder continues to bolster India’s balance.
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Champions Trophy 2025: A farewell Campaign for Kohli, Rohit and Jadeja?
India, grouped with big teams like Pakistan and New Zealand, will open their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Karachi. The tournament offers a platform for the veterans to cement their legacies, with Chopra noting, “The ODI World Cup will be in 2027, which is a bit too far. The world will look very different by 2027. I think the players also feel this could be their last”
As fans brace for a potential transition, the trio’s experience could prove pivotal in navigating high-pressure clashes.
While uncertainties linger, one truth remains: should this be their ICC swansong, Kohli, Rohit and Jadeja will vie to script a farewell befitting their monumental contributions to Indian cricket.
