After their vintage masterclass in Sydney that reminded fans why they’re considered legends, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will return to action sooner than expected. The duo will feature in India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa starting November 30, 2025—marking their first home ODI appearance since February. Following their stellar unbeaten partnership of 168 runs in Australia, cricket enthusiasts are eager to see if the veterans can maintain this momentum on Indian soil.
India’s Next Match Details: Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Series | India vs South Africa ODI Series |
| Format | 3 ODIs |
| Start Date | November 30, 2025 |
| End Date | December 6, 2025 |
| Venues | Ranchi, Raipur, Visakhapatnam |
| Match Dates | Nov 30, Dec 3, Dec 6 |
| Previous Series | Australia tour (Oct 19-25, lost 2-1) |
| Next Series After SA | vs New Zealand (Jan 11-18, 2026) |
| ODI Captain | Shubman Gill |
The Sydney Redemption Story
After a difficult start to the Australia tour with back-to-back ducks for Kohli and single-digit scores from Rohit, both legends silenced critics with an emphatic performance at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Rohit smashed an unbeaten 121 off 125 balls (his 33rd ODI century), while Kohli contributed an elegant 74 not out off 81 deliveries. Their 168-run unbroken partnership guided India to a nine-wicket victory in front of 40,587 spectators, most of whom cheered their every move.
This performance was particularly significant as Virat Kohli surpassed legendary Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket history, now standing just behind Sachin Tendulkar.
Why the South Africa Series Matters
With both Rohit (40 years old) and Kohli (37 years old) having retired from Tests and T20Is, ODI cricket represents their only remaining international format. By the time the 2027 ODI World Cup arrives, Kohli will be 39 and Rohit 40, making match fitness and regular game time absolutely critical.
The home series against South Africa provides several advantages. Playing in familiar conditions allows both batters to rebuild confidence and rhythm without the pressure of overseas tours. The three-match series offers enough opportunities to find form while testing different batting positions and partnerships.
Future Schedule & Domestic Cricket Push
India’s new ODI captain Shubman Gill confirmed discussions will happen after the South Africa series regarding participation in domestic cricket, particularly the Vijay Hazare Trophy scheduled from December 24 to January 18. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized that whenever players are available, they should be playing domestic cricket to stay sharp.
According to BCCI sources, both Rohit and Kohli are expected to play at least three rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai and Delhi respectively before linking up with the squad for the New Zealand ODI series starting January 11, 2026.
Expert Opinions on Their Future
Australian opener Travis Head expressed confidence that both legends would continue till the 2027 ODI World Cup, calling Kohli “probably the greatest white-ball player” and Rohit “not far behind”. Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes their 2027 World Cup chances hinge on form, fitness, and hunger—all of which they demonstrated in Sydney.
The upcoming home series presents the perfect platform for both stalwarts to prove they still have plenty to offer. With South Africa being the reigning World Test Champions and a formidable ODI opponent, strong performances here would significantly strengthen their case for the 2027 World Cup.
What to Expect in Ranchi, Raipur & Vizag
The three venues offer contrasting conditions. Ranchi’s JSCA International Stadium typically provides balanced pitches favoring both batters and bowlers. Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, hosting its first bilateral ODI series, promises excitement. Visakhapatnam’s Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, known for flat tracks, could witness high-scoring encounters perfectly suited to Rohit and Kohli’s batting style.
For Indian fans, this represents the first opportunity since February to watch their heroes play at home—a chance to witness living legends in action before ODI cricket takes another long break until 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When is the next ODI match featuring Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma?
The next ODI featuring Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be on November 30, 2025, when India hosts South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi for the first match of a three-game series. The subsequent matches are scheduled for December 3 in Raipur and December 6 in Visakhapatnam. This marks their first home ODI appearance since February 2025 and comes after their impressive performances in the Australia tour where they finished with an unbeaten 168-run partnership.
Q2: Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play domestic cricket between ODI series?
According to BCCI sources and new ODI captain Shubman Gill, discussions are underway for both veterans to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy scheduled from December 24 to January 18. They’re expected to play at least three rounds for Mumbai (Rohit) and Delhi (Kohli) respectively during the gap between the South Africa series (ending Dec 6) and New Zealand series (starting Jan 11, 2026). This domestic cricket participation is crucial for maintaining match fitness as both target the 2027 ODI World Cup.
