SYDNEY, 26 October (H.S.): Indian captain Shubman Gill on Saturday clarified that any decision regarding the One-Day International (ODI) futures of senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be made after the team’s upcoming series in South Africa.

Despite their match-winning performances against Australia, Gill indicated that the challenge lies in managing their game time in a sparse ODI calendar.Following India’s emphatic nine-wicket win in the final ODI against Australia, where Sharma (121*) and Kohli (74*) guided the team to victory with an unbeaten partnership, questions arose about how the two legends, who now play only one format, will maintain match readiness.

The next ODI assignment is not until late November against South Africa, followed by a series against New Zealand in January 2026.We haven’t talked about it yet, Gill stated at the post-match press conference. But I think once the South Africa (ODI) series is over, there will be a gap… I think then we will see how to keep the players in touch. Then I think a decision will be taken.

With only six ODIs scheduled for the remainder of the season, ensuring the 38-year-old Sharma and 36-year-old Kohli stay in rhythm is a key consideration. There is a possibility both could participate in the domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy in December to get more playing time.

Gill was effusive in his praise for the veteran duo, calling their performance a treat to watch. He added, As a captain, when you sit outside and watch the match, it feels really good that the two senior most players of the team are playing, and they’re getting the team through.

He emphasized their enduring class, noting that just hearing the sound that comes off their bat shows the excellent form they are in.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar