The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering deploying veteran stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India A fixtures as preparation for the upcoming ODI series in Australia, scheduled to begin October 19 in Perth.
Both cricketers have stepped away from Test and T20I formats but remain committed to ODI cricket. With speculation mounting about their potential retirement from the 50-over format following the Australia tour, the BCCI appears determined to ensure they are match-ready for what could be a farewell series.
According to a PTI report on Sunday evening, the cricket board is taking a measured approach to the situation. “The Indian cricket board is in no rush to take a call on the two maestros,” the report stated, while revealing plans for the duo to feature in domestic-level matches.
The proposal involves having Kohli and Sharma participate in select India A games against the visiting Australia A team in September-October. This tour will feature three List A matches in Kanpur on September 30, October 3, and October 5, coinciding with India’s first Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad.
“There is a school of thought in the BCCI that, for the duo to get ready for the Australia series Down Under, they can play a couple of India A games in India when the Australia A team—which will have Jake Fraser-McGurk in its ranks—tours,” the PTI report elaborated.
This strategic move would provide both players with crucial match practice against quality opposition before facing Australia in their home conditions. The timing allows the veterans to maintain competitive rhythm while the senior team fulfills its Test commitments against the West Indies.
The three-match ODI series in Australia represents a significant tour for Indian cricket, potentially marking the end of an era if the retirement rumors prove accurate. Both Kohli and Sharma have been instrumental in India’s limited-overs success over the past decade, making their preparation for this series a priority for the BCCI.
