September 25, 2025
In a thrilling development for cricket fans worldwide, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have announced their return to international cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the news on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Both legends will join India’s squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin in Pakistan next month. Their comeback ends a two-year absence from the national team, sparking celebrations among fans and experts.
Kohli, 36, and Sharma, 38, had stepped back from T20Is and ODIs in late 2023 to focus on Test cricket and mentor younger players. However, India’s inconsistent performances in recent bilateral series and the 2024 T20 World Cup exit prompted selectors to rethink their strategy. With the Champions Trophy seen as a critical event ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, the BCCI reportedly held talks with both players last week. Sources claim Sharma and Kohli agreed to return after assurances about their roles and workload management.
Why Now?
India’s middle-order struggles have been a recurring issue since Kohli’s departure. Young batters like Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad showed promise but lacked consistency in high-pressure games. Sharma’s absence as opener also left a void, with Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal failing to replicate his explosive starts. The team’s recent 3-2 ODI series loss to Australia exposed these gaps, pushing selectors to act.
Kohli has stayed fit through domestic cricket and the IPL, scoring 543 runs in the 2025 season. Sharma, despite retiring from T20Is, led Mumbai Indians to an IPL final this year, proving his form. A BCCI official stated, “Their experience is unmatched. They bring calmness and big-match temperament.”
Reactions from the Cricket World
Fans erupted on social media, with #KingKohli and #Hitman trending globally. Former players like Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly praised the decision. Tendulkar tweeted, “Great to see legends answering the call. India’s chances just got brighter.” Australian skipper Pat Cummins admitted, “Playing against Virat and Rohit is always tough. They’re game-changers.”
Not all reactions were positive. Critics argue this move stalls youth development. Ex-India selector Saba Karim said, “Relying on 35+ players isn’t sustainable. Where does this leave the next generation?” However, coach Rahul Dravid defended the choice: “Balance is key. Their presence will accelerate the learning curve for youngsters.”
What’s Next?
Kohli and Sharma will join a training camp in Bengaluru on September 28. They are likely to open in ODIs, with Sharma partnering Gill and Kohli anchoring the middle order. Reports suggest they might skip T20Is post-Champions Trophy to focus on ODIs and Tests.
The Champions Trophy will mark Sharma’s first ODI since 2023 and Kohli’s 500th international match. India faces South Africa in their tournament opener on October 15. All eyes will be on how these icons adapt to modern cricket’s demands. With power-hitting and aggressive strike rates now norms, their technical mastery will be tested.
A Legacy Moment
Kohli (13,000+ ODI runs) and Sharma (10,000+ ODI runs) are already legends. Their return adds emotional weight. Kohli needs 41 runs to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries. Sharma, the only player with three ODI double-centuries, could target 15,000 career runs.
More than stats, their leadership will inspire. Current captain Hardik Pandya, who supported their recall, said, “Learning from them daily is a privilege. They lift the team’s spirit.”
Kohli and Sharma’s return has rekindled hopes for Indian cricket. While debates about age and transition persist, their class and passion are undeniable. As Sharma stated, “We’re here to win trophies, not just participate.” With the Champions Trophy looming, the duo’s final act could script a historic chapter for Indian cricket.
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