Kohli returns to India for the upcoming Australia ODI series tour

Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli returned to the country on Tuesday after four months abroad, ahead of the national team’s departure for the upcoming ODI series of the white-ball tour of Australia, starting on Sunday.

Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20Is, was named in India’s ODI squad for the series against Australia. This marks his first appearance in an India jersey since the Champions Trophy triumph in March earlier this year. He will play under newly appointed ODI captain Shubman Gill, who replaces Rohit Sharma.

Notably, Rohit has also stepped away from Tests and T20Is and will make his return to the national setup after six months for the ODI series in Australia .

India’s white-ball tour of Australia begins with the ODI opener on October 19 at Perth Stadium, followed by matches at Adelaide Oval and the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 23 and 25, respectively. A five-match T20I series will follow, starting October 29.

The last time India toured Australia for a bilateral ODI series was in 2020–21, when they lost 2–1 but bounced back to win the T20I series by the same margin.

With the ODI World Cup still two years away and the recent form of Kohli, 36, and Sharma, 38, having been well below their lofty best, uncertainty looms over their future beyond. Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes the upcoming ODI series in Australia will be an important challenge for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s quest to play another World Cup, saying the veteran duo need a big series against Australia to solidify their spots for the mega spectacle in 2027.

Related Sports News

Youth Must Translate Martyrs’ Ideals into Action: MoS Raksha Khadse

On the occasion of Shaheed Diwas, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, through Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), organised a nationwide Padyatra on 23 March 2026 under the theme “Mera Bharat, Meri Zimmedari”, mobilising youth participation across all 763 districts. The fla....

Henrique nets brace as Flamengo goes top in Brazil's Serie A

Rio De Janeiro, Nov 2 : Bruno Henrique scored twice as Flamengo rose to the top of Brazil's Serie A with a 3-0 home win over Sport Recife. Henrique put the hosts ahead in the 51st minute by latching onto Samuel Lino's pass and blasting a shot past goalkeeper Gabriel on Saturday. Flamengo doubl....

India Gains Global Glory at World Para Athletics Championship, Players Receive Widespread Praise

(FM Hindi):-- The Indian Oil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championship concluded spectacularly on Sunday. With over 2,200 athletes from more than 100 countries participating, India delivered its best-ever performance, securing 22 medals (6 gold, 9 silver, 7 bronze). Hosting this prestigious ....

Pankaj Advani powers into quarterfinals of Commonwealth Billiards

BALACLAVA (MAURITIUS): India’s multiple-time world champion Pankaj Advani powered into the 6-Red Snooker quarterfinals of the inaugural Commonwealth Billiards Championships here on Friday. After a slow start, Advani outplayed Australia’s Xavier Daw 3-1, the clearance of 42 in the s....

Shubman Gill-led Indian team lands in London for Test series against England

The Shubman Gill-led Indian team arrived in London on Saturday ahead of the much-anticipated five-match Test series against England, which begins on June 20. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video of the team’s arrival in London on its social media handles.....