Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ODI comeback: When will ‘RoKo’ be in act…

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli shut down their critics by the end of the three-match ODI series against England last week. While Team India lost the series 1-2, Rohit Sharma smashed his 34th ODI century and 8th in England while Kohli came up with back-to-back fifties in the last two ODI games after scoring only 5 in the first ODI.

Former India captain Rohit Sharma was under immense pressure after media reports had claimed that the Indian opener had been informed by the BCCI selectors that they were looking beyond him for future ODI series after England. There was even speculation that Rohit could announce his international retirement at Lord’s in the third and final ODI match on Sunday but the 39-year-old replied with a brilliant 138 off 110 balls with 5 sixes and 17 fours in his innings in a chase of 388 runs to win. turconews.click

Kohli, on the other hand, came up with knocks of 74 and 65 in the last two ODI matches – both of which Team India lost to England and surrender the ODI series as well after losing the T20I series 4-0. Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin claims that the Indian team management including captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir will not be able to touch Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the upcoming ODI series in the lead up to possibly even the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 next year.

“Rohit Sharma aur Virat Kohli ko touch nahi kar payenge (They will not be able to touch Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli). They cannot touch Virat and Rohit if they want to play,” Ashwin said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

“It’s because of their credentials. Rohit has scored almost 12000 runs; they cannot touch him. The other thing is, they can’t be touched because they are batters. They have an army, a battalion,” Ashwin said.

Ravi Ashwin on security given to players by Rahul Dravid during his coaching instint:

“Can anyone say Rahul Dravid didn’t use to play, he dropped any player unnecessarily or not given long-rope to players or didn’t keep stability in team?

Let me give an example, the way he keep… pic.twitter.com/OyvDXfc3iZ

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) July 20, 2026

“People come to see them. If you drop them, it will just break the roof down. But if Shami, Siraj or Bhuvneshwar aren’t picked, 10 people will question. 100 people, 1000 people, maybe 10,000 people will question,” Ashwin added.

Fans will now be wondering when will ‘RoKo’ be in action next in ODI cricket for Team India. The bad news for the fans is that the wait to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could be as long as a couple of months.

Team India is not officially scheduled to play an ODI match till September 27, against two-time ODI World Cup champions West Indies. There are ongoing talks between the BCCI and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) whether a T20I and ODI series can be arranged possibly in month of August but it hasn’t materialised as yet.

Here is the schedule for India vs West Indies 2026 ODI series…

India vs West India 1st ODI – Thiruvananthapuram – September 27, 2026 from 2pm onwards

India vs West Indies 2nd ODI – Guwahati – September 30, 2026 from 2pm onwards

India vs West Indies 3rd ODI – New Chandigarh – October 3, 2026 from 2pm onwards

Here are all the details about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s international comeback…

When will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s international comeback take place?

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s international comeback is scheduled to take place in 1st ODI vs West Indies.

Where will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s international comeback take place?

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s international comeback is scheduled to take place in 1st ODI vs West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram.

What time will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s international comeback begin?

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s international comeback will take place in 1st ODI vs West Indies which will begin at 2pm IST.

How can I watch Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s international comeback LIVE on TV in India?

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s international comeback will be available LIVE on Star Sports network channels in India.

How can I watch live streaming of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s international comeback in India?

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s international comeback will be available for live streaming on JioHostar website and app in India.

हाल के दिनों में रोहित शर्मा के रिटायरमेंट को लेकर अटकलें तेज़ हो गईं, क्योंकि कई रिपोर्ट्स में कहा गया कि इंग्लैंड दौरे के बाद उन्हें टीम में नहीं चुना जाएगा. अपने भविष्य को लेकर हो रही इन चर्चाओं के बीच, रोहित ने लॉर्ड्स में खेले गए आखिरी वनडे मैच में शानदार 138 रन बनाए और साथ ही यह भी कहा कि ऐसी बातें तो होती ही रहेंगी." रोहित को लेकर चल रही इन अटकलों के बीच, भारत के दिग्गज स्पिनर रविचंद्रन अश्विन ने दो ऐसी वजहें बताईं जिनकी वजह से रोहित या विराट कोहली को भारतीय टीम से बाहर करना बहुत मुश्किल होगा.

अपने हिंदी YouTube चैनल 'Ash ki Baat' पर बात करते हुए अश्विन ने कहा, "अगर विराट और रोहित खेलना चाहते हैं, तो उन्हें कोई नहीं हटा सकता. ऐसा उनके शानदार रिकॉर्ड की वजह से है. रोहित ने लगभग 12,000 रन बनाए हैं; उन्हें कोई नहीं छू सकता."

इंग्लैंड सीरीज के बाद इन 5 खिलाड़ियों पर गिरेगी गाज? एक तो खाता तक नहीं खोल सका

उन्होंने आगे कहा, "दूसरी बात यह है कि उन्हें इसलिए भी नहीं हटाया जा सकता क्योंकि वे बल्लेबाज हैं. उनके चाहने वालों की एक पूरी फौज है. लोग उन्हें देखने आते हैं. अगर आप उन्हें टीम से बाहर करते हैं, तो भारी हंगामा मच जाएगा."

अश्विन ने आगे कहा, "लेकिन अगर शमी, सिराज या भुवनेश्वर को नहीं चुना जाता है, तो 10 लोग सवाल उठाएंगे. 100 लोग, 1000 लोग, शायद 10,000 लोग सवाल उठाएंगे लेकिन वे शोर नहीं मचाएंगे. अगर कभी ऐसा दिन आता है जब लोग गेंदबाज़ों के लिए शोर मचाएंगे, तो उन्हें टीम से बाहर करना भी मुश्किल हो जाएगा."

रोहित शर्मा ने फिर से अपनी लय हासिल की

काफ़ी आलोचनाओं और ऐसी खबरों के बीच कि BCCI की सिलेक्शन कमिटी उन्हें 2027 वर्ल्ड कप के लिए नहीं चुन रही है, रोहित ने लॉर्ड्स में इंग्लैंड के खिलाफ़ तीसरे वनडे में शानदार खेल दिखाया. शुरुआती दो वनडे मैचों में कुछ संघर्ष करने के बाद, रोहित ने 110 गेंदों पर 138 रन बनाकर अपनी बेहतरीन फॉर्म में वापसी की. ऐसा लगा कि भारतीय टीम में अपनी जगह को लेकर बने दबाव का उन पर ज़रा भी असर नहीं पड़ा, क्योंकि उन्होंने 17 चौके और पांच छक्के जड़े.

388 रनों के लक्ष्य का पीछा करते हुए रोहित ने इंग्लैंड के बेहतरीन गेंदबाज़ों की जमकर धुनाई की और लगभग पूरे मैच के दौरान भारत की जीत की थोड़ी-बहुत उम्मीदों को ज़िंदा रखा.

यह भी पढ़ें- श्रीलंका फतह के लिए टीम इंडिया का मास्टरप्लान, टेस्ट सीरीज से पहले खेलेगी 4 दिन का खास मैच, पूरा शेड्यूल जारी

Madrid [Spain], July 21 (ANI): Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles turned into the heart of Spain’s FIFA World Cup 2026 celebrations on Monday as thousands of jubilant fans welcomed the newly crowned champions, with Marc Cucurella stealing the show by leading supporters in a viral chant while the squad paraded through the streets of Madrid aboard an open-top bus.

According to Fox Sports, the Spanish players were greeted by a sea of red and yellow as their open-air bus made its way through the capital’s historic streets toward the iconic Cibeles Square, where supporters had been gathering since early morning.

Un país entero volcado

¡SOMOS BICAMPEONES DEL MUNDO! #VamosEspaña | #ReyesDelMundo pic.twitter.com/MpGJVfsxxz

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 20, 2026

The celebrations continued well into the evening despite the team returning only hours after their World Cup final victory in New Jersey.

Left-back Marc Cucurella, who played every minute of Spain’s victorious campaign, delighted the crowd by lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy high before taking the microphone to sing the now-famous chant featuring his surname that first went viral in 2024. Fans joined in as the celebrations reached a fever pitch.

Esto ya es un clásico

¡¡CUCU, CUCURELLA!!#VamosEspaña | #ReyesDelMundo pic.twitter.com/z7f2pYiaT4

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 20, 2026

Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal also played his part in the festivities, singing along to Bad Bunny songs aboard the parade bus, as per Fox Sports.

The 19-year-old Barcelona star, who was one of Spain’s standout performers throughout the tournament, also shared a heartwarming moment after spotting a fan holding a poster of his younger brother, Keyne. The banner was passed to Yamal, who proudly held it aloft for supporters lining the route.

By the time the squad reached Plaza de Cibeles for the closing ceremony, the atmosphere remained electric. Players were introduced one by one, with captain and Golden Ball winner Rodri receiving one of the loudest ovations from the packed square.

After that, the head coach, Luis de la Fuente, was tossed into the air in unison by the Spanish team players — a celebration commonly referred to as “the bump" in North American sports and “doh-age" in Japanese sports culture.

Earlier in the day, head coach Luis de la Fuente and his players arrived in Madrid before attending official receptions at Zarzuela Palace with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and the Spanish royal family, including King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. They then boarded the open-top bus that carried them through the capital as thousands celebrated Spain’s return to the summit of world football.

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Spain ended a 16-year wait for World Cup glory by defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute after reacting quickest to a loose ball following Pedro Porro’s cross and Nico Williams’ assist. Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated the final, enjoying 68 per cent possession, producing 20 shots with 11 on target, while restricting Argentina to just four attempts.

The celebrations in Madrid marked not only Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title after their 2010 triumph but also the arrival of a new generation led by Rodri, Yamal and a defence that conceded just once throughout the tournament. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Madrid [Spain], July 21 (ANI): Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez welcomed the FIFA World Cup-winning national football team on their return home, hailing the players after their historic triumph and sharing a video of the squad’s arrival and celebrations in Madrid.

Posting a video on X, Sanchez wrote, “Welcome home, CHAMPIONS!"

The video showed captain Rodri leading the victorious Spanish squad alongside head coach Luis de la Fuente as the team arrived in the Spanish capital to a rousing reception following their World Cup success.

¡Bienvenidos a casa, CAMPEONES! pic.twitter.com/VFiy1W3G81

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) July 20, 2026

Spain returned to Madrid on Monday afternoon, a day after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at New York New Jersey Stadium to secure the country’s second world title and first since their historic triumph in 2010.

Following their arrival, the squad attended official receptions with Prime Minister Sanchez and the Spanish royal family, including King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, before embarking on an open-top bus parade through the streets of Madrid.

According to Fox Sports, a huge number of supporters lined the route from Moncloa to the Plaza de Cibeles, turning the Spanish capital into a sea of red and yellow as fans celebrated La Roja’s long-awaited return to the top of world football.

Thousands of supporters, many dressed in Spain’s iconic red jerseys and waving national flags, gathered from early morning to welcome the champions. The celebrations culminated at the Plaza de Cibeles, where the team greeted jubilant fans during the public victory event.

Spain sealed the title thanks to substitute Ferran Torres, who scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area following Pedro Porro’s cross and Nico Williams’ assist.

Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated the final, enjoying 68 per cent possession and registering 20 shots, including 11 on target, while limiting Argentina to just four attempts throughout the contest.

The victory ended Spain’s 16-year wait for another FIFA World Cup crown and capped a memorable campaign with celebrations continuing across Madrid as the champions returned home. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has claimed that it will be impossible for the team to drop Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the team. His remarks come after the ENG vs IND series where the Hitman responded to critics and rubbished retirement rumours with a scintillating knock at Lord’s. Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December 2024, noted that Ro-Ko enjoyed a massive fan following and that dropping them could result in low audience turnout for matches.

Why India can’t afford to drop Ro-Ko

In a video on his YouTube channel, Ashwin pointed out that no one could drop Rohit and Virat if the opt to continue playing as they boasted of incredible credentials. The former Indian cricketer said that the two stalwarts had large fan armies, and that the noise would be deafening if they were dropped as fans come in large numbers to the stadium to watch them play. The duo recently played their 400th international game (together) for India in the ENG vs IND 3rd ODI.

“They cannot touch Virat and Rohit if they want to play. It is because of their credentials. Rohit has scored almost 12,000 runs; they cannot touch him. The other thing is that they are batters, and if you touch them, they have an army. People come to see them. If you drop them, it will just break the roof down,” Ashwin said.

Ashwin heaped praise on Rohit Sharma for his knock at Lord’s and said that he would have even scored 180 runs if he was in better form. The Hitman was under immense pressure in the game, especially since reports had claimed that he was informed by the selectors that he wasn’t in the scheme of things any longer. It was even reported that Rohit might announce his retirement on Sunday, prompting the BCCI to issue a clarification and rubbish such claims. Sharma scored 138 runs in the game in the mammoth run-chase, albeit in a losing cause.

“I felt like Rohit was in really good form. The position he is in and the way he batted, it’s not that difficult for him. We have seen him for so many years; there’s nothing left to prove. Whom does he have to prove? It is only about the internal appetite: I want to go to the World Cup, that’s why I need to play like this,” Ashwin added.

The post Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli untouchable: Ajit Agarkar, Gautam Gambhir warned ahead of 2027 World Cup appeared first on Inside Sport India.