Pat Cummins reflects on the farewell tour of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Australia News24 –
Pat Cummins on Virat and Rohit Sharma: As India prepares to take on Australia in a high-voltage three-match ODI series beginning October 19 in Perth, there’s more than just points and performances at stake. For fans in Australia, this series might offer a final glimpse of two of India’s greatest modern-day icons – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in action on Australian soil.
Australian captain Pat Cummins, who will miss the series due to a back injury, captured the emotional significance of the moment during a conversation with JioHotstar. His words have resonated with fans across the cricketing world.
“Virat and Rohit have been part of almost every Indian side for the last 15 years, so this might be the last chance for the Australian public to see them playing out here,” Cummins said.
“They’ve obviously been champions of the game for India and are always very well supported. Whenever we play them, the crowd gets loud.”
Both Rohit and Kohli announced their retirement from Test cricket earlier this year, and while they remain available for ODIs, there is a growing sense that they are now taking things series by series, with no guarantees about playing the 2027 ODI World Cup. That makes this short tour feel more like a tribute than just another series.
Cummins to Miss Series, But Anticipates a Full House
The 32-year-old Cummins, who led Australia to World Cup glory in 2023 and remains a key figure in the national setup, expressed disappointment at missing this particular contest – not just because of its competitive edge, but due to its historical undertones.
“It’s a shame to miss the white-ball series against India. I think the crowds are going to be huge. There’s already a lot of excitement built up here in Australia,” he said.
“Whenever you miss a game, it’s disappointing. But missing a big series like this is always a bit harder to take.”
Cummins’ absence will certainly be felt, but the Australian team – now a blend of seasoned campaigners and fresh faces – will be eager to give their fans something to cheer about.
A Special Series in More Ways Than One
The upcoming ODI series marks India’s return to international cricket after their Champions Trophy win earlier this year – a tournament that was also the last outing for Kohli and Rohit before their extended break. Both stalwarts return not just as players, but as elder statesmen of Indian cricket, passing the torch to a new generation.
Shubman Gill, freshly appointed as India’s ODI captain, will lead the side for the first time in a full-fledged series. The young opener has big shoes to fill, and the presence of Rohit and Kohli in the dressing room could serve as invaluable mentorship as he settles into the role.
The End of an Era?
For over a decade, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have stood tall as the faces of Indian cricket – carrying the expectations of over a billion fans, scripting historic wins, and redefining consistency in white-ball cricket. Australia, in particular, has been a stage for some of their most iconic performances from Kohli’s masterclass at Adelaide in 2012 to Rohit’s multiple centuries on Aussie soil.
If this indeed turns out to be their final appearance in Australia, the series becomes more than just another bilateral contest. It transforms into a celebration of two all-time greats and an opportunity for fans to say thank you.
As Cummins rightly pointed out,
“They’ve been champions of the game.”
This October, Australian fans might get one last chance to cheer for them – even if it’s from the other side of the rivalry.
A Tour to Remember
With stars returning, new leaders emerging, and emotions running high, this India vs Australia ODI series promises more than just cricket. It could be the final chapter of an era and the start of a new one.
For those lucky enough to be at the grounds in Perth, Adelaide, or Sydney – soak it in. You might be witnessing history.