Pat Cummins Reflects on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s Farewell Tour of Australia
Perth, October 15, 2025 — India’s much-anticipated white-ball tour of Australia, beginning on October 19, has added emotional weight as it marks the return of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to Australian shores. While both legends have retired from Tests and T20Is, they remain active in ODIs, making this series potentially their last chance to play in Australia.
Australian pace spearhead Pat Cummins, recovering from lumbar bone stress ahead of the Ashes, shared his thoughts on the significance of the tour. “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. They’ve obviously been champions of the game for India and are always very well supported. Whenever we play them, the crowd gets loud,” Cummins said in an interview with JioHotstar.
India’s Tour Itinerary
India’s limited-overs tour comprises three ODIs and five T20Is. The ODI series kicks off on October 19 at Perth Stadium, followed by matches at Adelaide Oval (October 23) and Sydney Cricket Ground (October 25). The T20I series begins on October 29, concluding with the final match on November 5.
Under new captain Shubman Gill, India will look to combine the experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli with emerging talents, aiming for strong performances in both formats.
Cummins on Missing the Series
Cummins, who will miss the series due to injury, said, “It's a shame to miss the white-ball series against India. I think the crowds are going to be huge. There’s already a lot of excitement built up here in Australia. So, whenever you miss a game, it’s disappointing. But missing a big series like this is always a bit harder to take.”
He added that the series will be an opportunity for Australia to give exposure to younger players who were not part of the last World Cup. “It’s three matches you want to win, but it’s also about seeing what the younger guys can do and ensuring that once we get close to the World Cup, we know what our 15-man squad is going to be and that we’re well placed,” Cummins said.
Starc Returns Amid Retirement from T20Is
Australia’s fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who retired from T20I cricket last month, will return to the international fold for this tour. Cummins reflected on Starc’s decision, saying, “I knew it was on Starc’s mind for a little while, retiring from T20s. Playing all three formats is tough. He’s a couple of years older than me and has played 100 Test matches as well, quite a few more than I have. He wants to prioritise Test cricket. He’s had a fantastic T20 career, and there are plenty of other guys who can step in and fill his shoes.”
India vs Australia: Historical Context
The last bilateral ODI series in Australia saw India lose 2-1 in 2020/21, though they won the subsequent T20I series by the same margin. With Rohit and Kohli in the squad, fans hope for a strong challenge against a young and energetic Australian side, blending veteran experience with emerging talent.
The series also carries emotional resonance for fans Down Under, as both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been iconic figures in international cricket for over 15 years, dominating performances across formats and becoming crowd favourites in Australia.
Why This Series Matters
The 2025/26 series is significant for multiple reasons:
- It offers Australian fans a final chance to witness Rohit and Kohli in action on home soil.
- India aims to establish momentum in ODIs and T20Is ahead of the 2026 ICC tournaments.
- Australia will use the series to assess emerging players and fine-tune strategies for future international competitions.
- The series is a test of India’s transition under Shubman Gill while balancing veteran leadership and young talent.
Final Thoughts — TheTrendingPeople.com
India’s white-ball tour of Australia promises excitement both on and off the field. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli making their final appearances Down Under, the series is not just a contest of skill but also a celebration of two of cricket’s modern greats. Fans in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney are set for thrilling cricketing action, blending experience, emerging talent, and high-stakes competition as India and Australia face off.