India’s ODI legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were spotted batting in the nets together ahead of the 50-over series vs South Africa. The 1st ODI is in Ranchi on November 30 as India look to avenge the humiliation of a 2-0 Test whitewash that was handed to them by the Proteas. India will play three ODIs followed by five T20Is and the overall series shall end on December 19 and that will be it for the hosts in 2025.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Eye 2027 ODI World Cup

A clip of them practicing together in the nets has gone viral and the few fans present were lucky to spot ‘King’ and ‘Hitman’ sweating it out in ‘Captain Cool’ MS Dhoni’s homeground. The duo have retired from Tests and ODIs and for them an ODI retirement means an international farewell. Both want to be on the plane to South Africa for the ODI World Cup in 2027 but have to take it one game at a time.

© X/BCCI

‘King’ and ‘Hitman’ Turn Back the Clock Down Under

The last time they played in an ODI, the duo put on an unbroken 2nd wicket stand vs Australia Down Under just over a month ago. Rohit made 121 not out while Kohli hit an unbeaten 74. Rohit joined an elite list of players with 50 international 100s while Kohli became the second highest ODI run-getter in history. They will look to lead India’s recovery in the white-ball format as the whole nation tries to move on from the Test debacle that has plagued the national side.

No Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer for ODIs vs South Africa

KL Rahul is leading the Indian team for the ODIs as skipper Shubman Gill is suffering from a neck injury he sustained during the Kolkata Test. He did not play in Guwahati and has now been left out of the ODIs as well and is unlikely to feature as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy in the T20Is. ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is also out injured after damaging his spleen in the final ODI vs Australia.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in batting practice session together at Ranchi.🔥 pic.twitter.com/KFfzXoLnI8

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) November 27, 2025

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Brilliant Legacies

This is another step for Rohit and Kohli towards the World Cup as every game and every series matters. Kohli is 37 and has been around for 17 years while Rohit at 38 is an 18-year veteran. Both players are in the twilight of their careers and fans will hope they can leave after helping India lift the World Cup in a couple of years.

The Amazing ODI Numbers of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Their records are worth dying for in ODIs. Kohli has batted 293 times in 305 games with 46 not-outs. He’s made 14,255 runs at an average of 57.71 with 51 100s and 75 50s plus a top score of 183. Meanwhile, Rohit has played 276 games and managed to bat on 268 occasions while staying 37 times. His average is 49.22 along with 11,370 runs and a personal best of 264. Not to mention 33 100s and 59 50s. When both these players call time on their careers, world cricket shall be poorer for it.