Kohli, Rohit may play last ODIs in Australia, says Cummins

Australia captain Pat Cummins has called the upcoming ODI series against India “special,” warning it may be the last opportunity for fans Down Under to witness Indian superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in action on Australian soil. The three-match series begins Sunday in Perth and will also feature games in Adelaide and Sydney, followed by a five-match T20 International series starting October 29.

Cummins, 32, will watch from the sidelines due to a back injury but says he is closely following the excitement building around the series.

“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 been champions for India and are always well supported. Whenever we play them, the crowd gets loud.”

Missing the series is particularly disappointing for the pacer, who described the white-ball clashes as hard to watch from the bench. “It’s a shame to miss the series against India. The crowds are going to be huge, and there’s a lot of excitement built up here. Missing a big series like this is always harder to take,” he said.

Despite his absence, Cummins shared his thoughts on Australia’s strategy under stand-in captain Mitchell Marsh. “It’s three matches you want to win, but it’s also about giving exposure to younger players who weren’t part of the last World Cup. The goal is to see what they can do so that when we approach the next World Cup, we know our 15-man squad and are well placed,” he said.

Cummins also commented on pacer Mitchell Starc’s decision to retire from T20Is to focus on Test cricket. “Playing all three formats is tough. Starc has played over 100 Tests, and it makes sense for him to prioritise Test cricket. He’s had a fantastic T20I career, and there are other players ready to step in,” Cummins noted.

The India-Australia series promises intense competition, with fans eager to catch cricket legends Kohli and Rohit live perhaps for the last time in Australia.