Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not play in IPL 2025? Questions arising after retirement from T20

Vilas Dhadke
11 Min Read
Rohit Sharma
Have Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired?
Source : Inside Sport

Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Play IPL 2025: 

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were recently seen playing in a Test match against Bangladesh. Both the great batsmen of India failed to score big in both the innings. But recently some surprising questions have come up whether Rohit and Virat will play in IPL 2025 next year. Have Rohit and Kohli really retired from IPL, let’s know what is the truth?

Will Rohit and Virat play in IPL 2025?

Actually this is just a rumor that started flying after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from T20 cricket. Team India won the T20 World Cup 2024, after which Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from T20 International cricket. They did not say goodbye to all formats of T20 cricket but only to the shortest format of cricket at the international level.

Since Team India’s ‘Hitman’ and ‘King Kohli’ retired only from international T20 cricket, he will definitely play in IPL 2025, but before the mega auction, it cannot be said clearly which team he will be seen playing for. Kohli can be seen playing for RCB once again, but there is speculation about Rohit that he may soon leave Mumbai Indians.

took retirement this year

29 June 2024 was the day when India created history by defeating South Africa by 7 runs in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024. But after that Virat and Rohit announced in the post-match interview that they are retiring from international T20 cricket. Kohli made a significant contribution in making India the champion by playing an innings of 76 runs in that match. At the same time, after losing the final of the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup, Team India once again reached the final of the World Cup under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. Due to this, there was a lot of pressure on Rohit for captaincy.

The cricketing world has been abuzz with speculation ever since Indian cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from T20 Internationals. Both players have been pivotal figures in India’s success across formats and in the IPL for over a decade. As their focus now shifts towards longer formats like ODIs and Tests, a burning question remains: will they continue to feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, or is their IPL journey also coming to an end?

Let’s dive deeper into the speculations surrounding their future in the IPL and what it means for the league and their respective franchises.

Rohit and Kohli’s T20 International Retirement: What Does It Mean?

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s decision to step away from T20 Internationals sent shockwaves across the cricketing community. As two of the biggest names in modern cricket, their departure from the format left fans wondering about their long-term plans. While the duo hasn’t made any formal announcements regarding IPL participation, their retirement from international T20 cricket could be a signal that they are considering stepping back from the IPL as well.

However, there’s a key difference between international cricket and the IPL. The IPL, with its shorter format, provides more breaks between games, making it less physically demanding. Therefore, despite their international retirements, there’s still hope that both Rohit and Kohli might continue to play in the IPL for a few more seasons.

Why IPL 2025 is Crucial for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

IPL 2025 could be a defining season for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With each player on the cusp of their late 30s, the question of form, fitness, and motivation will loom large. Both players have nothing left to prove in the world of cricket. Rohit has guided the Mumbai Indians to multiple IPL titles, while Kohli has been the face of Royal Challengers Bangalore for years.

If they continue to play in the IPL 2025, it will largely depend on whether their bodies can keep up with the demands of the high-octane league. Injuries, fitness concerns, and managing workloads could be key factors in determining their participation. Both players may also decide to take on more leadership and mentorship roles within their teams rather than playing a full season.

Franchise Loyalty: Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are synonymous with their IPL franchises—Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), respectively. Rohit has been MI’s most successful captain, winning five IPL titles, while Kohli, despite not winning a title with RCB, is regarded as the heart and soul of the team.

For the franchises, the potential exit of these icons would leave a massive void, both in leadership and brand value. Mumbai Indians would need to find a new captain and leader to fill Rohit’s shoes, while RCB would face a similar dilemma if Kohli decides to step back from playing.

Both franchises have already been grooming younger players like Ishan Kishan for MI and RCB’s Devdutt Padikkal (though he moved to Rajasthan Royals). However, the departure of these cricketing giants would mark a seismic shift in the balance of power in the IPL.

A Potential Farewell Season?

One possibility is that Rohit and Kohli might play IPL 2025 as a farewell season. Much like other cricketing legends before them, they could give fans one last chance to see them in action in the IPL. If this happens, the 2025 season could turn into a celebration of their illustrious careers, with tributes, special moments, and emotional send-offs planned across various venues.

This farewell season could be a dream for both their franchises and the league as a whole. Fans would flock to stadiums to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars one last time. It would also give the teams time to prepare for a post-Rohit and post-Kohli era, ensuring a smoother transition.

Impact on the IPL’s Brand and Fan Base

The exit of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the IPL would undoubtedly have a major impact on the league’s brand and viewership. These two players have been central figures in driving the IPL’s popularity, with millions of fans following their performances year after year. Their absence could result in a dip in viewership and engagement, especially for MI and RCB fans.

However, the IPL has always been a platform for emerging talent, and the league could use this as an opportunity to spotlight the next generation of stars. Young players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad could take up the mantle and become the faces of the IPL in the post-Rohit and Kohli era.

What’s Next for Rohit and Kohli?

While there’s no official word on whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will participate in IPL 2025, their decision to retire from T20 Internationals has fueled speculation. As seasoned cricketers who have accomplished almost everything, they may feel the time is right to focus on their legacy in Test and ODI cricket. But with the allure of the IPL still strong, fans remain hopeful that they will see these two legends in action for at least one more season.

In the coming months, we may get a clearer picture as both players assess their future in the game. Whether they choose to play IPL 2025 or not, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have already left an indelible mark on Indian and global cricket. The next chapter in their journey, whether on or off the field, is eagerly awaited by fans around the world.

Conclusion: A Time of Transition?

As the cricketing world speculates about the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the IPL, one thing is certain: whenever they decide to hang up their boots, it will mark the end of an era. Whether IPL 2025 becomes their final season or they choose to stay involved in different roles, their contributions to the league and Indian cricket will be remembered for generations.

For now, all eyes are on their next move, as fans wait with bated breath to see what the future holds for these two cricketing titans.

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