The announcement, expected during the third day of India’s ongoing Test against the West Indies, carries huge significance as it could mark the comeback of two of India’s biggest cricketing icons—Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Both veterans had stepped away from T20Is following India’s triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign and later retired from Test cricket.
They have been out of action since March’s Champions Trophy but have reportedly been training rigorously for their international return.
Kohli’s hundred against Pakistan and his semi-final heroics against Australia remain fresh in memory, while Rohit’s match-winning knock in the World Cup final against New Zealand still resonates with fans.
Their presence would add experience and firepower as India takes on Australia in three ODIs (Oct 19–23) and five T20Is (Oct 29–Nov 8).
The selectors, however, must carefully balance form, fitness, and workload. Hardik Pandya continues to recover from a quadriceps injury, while Rishabh Pant is unlikely to be fit in time due to a foot fracture.
Test captain Shubman Gill, who is currently leading a youthful batting unit against the West Indies, could be rested for part of the tour to manage the packed calendar—eight matches across three cities in just 19 days.
With WTC points at stake in home Tests and the T20 World Cup looming early next year, the management must juggle short-term ambitions with long-term planning. Fans are bracing themselves for what could be one of the most talked-about squad announcements of the year. Follow all the live updates here on TimesofIndia.com!
