Priyanka Tiwari
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Following a dominant victory in the ODI series against England, Team India is now setting its sights on winning the prestigious Champions Trophy. After clinching the T20 World Cup last year, the Indian team aims to secure another ICC tournament triumph. This edition of the Champions Trophy could also mark the final appearance for several senior players, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes that this tournament might be their last ICC event.
Uncertain Future Beyond Champions Trophy
According to Aakash Chopra, it is unlikely that these three veteran players will continue playing until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja had already announced their retirement from T20Is following India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, leading to speculation about their ODI future. Chopra, in his recent YouTube video, emphasized how the Champions Trophy presents a fitting opportunity for them to conclude their ICC careers on a high note.
Aakash Chopra's Take on the Trio's Future
Chopra stated that expecting these players to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup would be unrealistic. He remarked, "I say this with a heavy heart... the possibility is strong. The Champions Trophy is happening, followed by another ICC event this year—the World Test Championship (WTC) final, which India hasn’t qualified for. So, none of Kohli, Rohit, or Jadeja will feature in that. The next ICC event after that is the T20 World Cup, but all three have already retired from T20Is. With the next ODI World Cup in 2027, which is quite far away, it is likely that this Champions Trophy will be their last ICC event."
Rohit and Kohli in Fine Form Ahead of the Champions Trophy
Despite being in their mid-to-late 30s—Kohli and Jadeja at 36, and Rohit at 37—these players have remained instrumental in India’s success over the years. Their contributions to past ICC tournaments have been invaluable, even though their recent performances in Test cricket have raised some concerns. However, their strong displays in India’s ODI series against England suggest that they still have a lot to offer, making them key players for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
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