Veteran opener Rohit Sharma is all set to return to training, with reports indicating that he will join the Mumbai team’s practice sessions starting the second week of July. After officially retiring from Test cricket in May 2025, the 38-year-old has now turned his attention fully to the ODI format as he enters the final phase of his international career.
Rohit’s departure from red-ball cricket brought an end to a significant chapter in Indian cricket. His decision came alongside Virat Kohli’s own retirement from Tests, marking a transitional period for the national side. In the wake of their exits, young Shubman Gill has taken over the captaincy in the longest format, currently leading India against England in the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy – a newly instituted series named in honour of two legends of the game.
Both Rohit and Kohli have taken time away from competitive cricket since their retirements. Rohit has been spending time with his family and was recently seen vacationing, while Kohli is believed to be in London enjoying a personal break.
Initially, both players were expected to feature in the now-uncertain ODI series against Bangladesh. However, due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations, the tour has reportedly been put on hold. As a result, fans may have to wait a bit longer before seeing the star duo back in India colours.
According to multiple reports, including those from Sports Tiger, Rohit is expected to rejoin the Mumbai domestic circuit next week as he begins his preparations. While there’s still some uncertainty around India’s immediate ODI calendar, his return to training signals the beginning of his journey back into international cricket.
Looking ahead, India’s white-ball tour of Australia – scheduled for October-November as per the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) could be the stage for Rohit and Kohli’s comeback in the ODI format. A tour to South Africa is also reportedly in the pipeline following the Australia series.
As Rohit enters the twilight of his playing career with a renewed focus on ODIs, fans will be watching closely to see how he paces his return and what he has in store for what could be the final leg of his international journey.