Aakash Chopra has speculated that the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy could be the final ICC event for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja. This prediction is based on the fact that the next major ICC tournament after the Champions Trophy is the 2027 ODI World Cup, which seems too far away for these players to continue playing at the international level.
The Champions Trophy presents an opportunity for them to conclude their ICC careers on a high note. However, it’s worth noting that the decision to retire from ODIs or ICC events entirely would depend on individual choices and team needs. Rohit Sharma, for instance, might continue playing ODIs if India wins the Champions Trophy, potentially without the captaincy, which could be passed to younger players like Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya.
Here are some key points supporting this speculation:
- Age and Career Stage: All three players are in their late 30s, which is considered advanced for professional cricket. Rohit is nearing 38, while Kohli and Jadeja are 36.
- Retirement from T20s: Their decision to retire from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup has fueled discussions about their potential retirement from other formats as well.
- Next ICC Events: The Champions Trophy is followed by the World Test Championship Final, (which India hasn’t qualified for) and the 2026 T20 World Cup, from which they have already retired. The next ODI World Cup is in 2027, which seems too far for them to continue playing.
- Team Transition: There is a growing need for India to transition to younger players, especially with significant time gaps between major tournaments.
While there is no official confirmation from the players themselves, the Champions Trophy presents an ideal opportunity for them to conclude their ICC careers on a high note.
