When will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play together in ODIs next? Full roadmap of Ro-Ko’s return
The duo’s anticipated return to international cricket is set for June 2026 against Afghanistan, with a high-stakes tour of England following in July.
Last Updated: 10.16 PM, Jan 18, 2026
As the dust settles on the hard-fought ODI series against New Zealand, Indian cricket fans find themselves in a bittersweet moment. While the series in Indore showcased the enduring brilliance of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, it also marked the beginning of a long wait. Because both legends have retired from T20Is and Test match cricket, their appearances in the national jersey have become rare, precious "event" sightings. If you are wondering when the iconic "Ro-Ko" duo will next walk out to bat together, here is the roadmap for their return.
The six-month hiatus
Following today's third ODI against New Zealand, the Indian cricket calendar shifts almost exclusively to T20s and red-ball cricket for the first half of the year.
This means that for the next six months, the famous partnership that has defined an era of Indian batting will be on ice at the international level.
The comeback: India vs. Afghanistan (June 2026)
The most likely date for their reunion is June 2026. India is scheduled to host Afghanistan for a three-match ODI series immediately following the IPL. As this series serves as a crucial building block for the 2027 ODI World Cup, both Rohit and Virat are expected to be named in the squad.
While the exact dates and venues are yet to be finalized by the BCCI, this series is circled on the calendar as the moment the veterans return to lead the 50-over side.
The "blockbuster" tour: England vs. India (July 2026)
If you are looking for the next high-stakes clash involving the duo, the Tour of England in July 2026 is the primary destination. India will play a three-match ODI series in some of the world's most iconic venues.