Three Indian stars to retire from ODI format after Champions Trophy? Aakash Chopra makes huge claim

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has claimed that three Indian veteran stars could retire after Champions Trophy 2025. The stars in question are skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. The trio had retired together after India won the T20 World Cup last June. 

Team India has reached Dubai for the eight-team tournament, which begins on Wednesday. The first match of the campaign will see hosts Pakistan take on New Zealand on 19th February. The Men in Blue will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh next day before taking on Pakistan next Sunday. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, “With a heavy heart, I have to say that there’s a strong possibility; right now it’s the Champions Trophy, then we have the next ICC event in the WTC final where we haven’t reached, so no chance of Kohli, Rohit or Jadeja playing in it. Then the next ICC event is next year, which is the T20 World Cup. These three have already retired from T20Is."

Aakash Chopra doesn’t see Indian trio play 2027 ODI World Cup 

The next big assignment for India in the ODI format is the 2027 World Cup, which is to be held in South Africa. By the time the tournament rolls through, Rohit Sharma will be 40 years old, while Kohli and Jadeja will be aged 39. There is a good chance the trio could call time on their ODI career and prolong their Test match careers. 

Aakash Chopra, while speaking on his YouTube channel, also added, “Then in 2027, there’s the ODI World Cup, which is quite far. The world will look quite different. I think the players also feel that this could be our last ICC tournament and therefore it’s very important. Although we always say never, say never. Maybe there’s something more. Could be possible that Rohit, Virat, Jadeja end up playing the next World Cup.”

The 47-year-old ended by saying, “The question isn’t whether these guys can play at the next World Cup. It’s about the Indian cricket team’s ability to carry on without them. The question should be whether India needs these players or are there better options at a given moment. If the answer is yes, then move in that direction. So, I do think this could be the last ICC event for Rohit, Jadeja and Kohli."