• Source:JND
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Virat Kohli is all set to be in action again as he made his much-awaited return to India's ODI team for the upcoming Australia tour. Virat and Rohit Sharma were named in India's 15-member squad for the three-match series.

The ODI series between India and Australia is scheduled to start in Perth on October 19, and it will be followed by a five-match T20I series. Virat was last seen in action during the IPL 2025, whereas his final appearance for India was the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Virat played a key role in helping India lift the Champions Trophy title in the UAE earlier this year.

According to the recent speculations, the Australia series could be Virat and Rohit's final action for India, as the duo are yet to confirm their availability for the ODI World Cup 2027. Both Virat and Rohit have already retired from the T20I and Test formats.

ALSO READ: Will Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Play 2027 World Cup? Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar Provides Update

While announcing the squads for the Australia tour on Saturday, the BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar responded to the question regarding Virat not appearing for the fitness test at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

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While most of the Indian players, including Rohit, gave their fitness tests at the CoE, Kohli was the only player to get examined in London. According to a report, Kohli sought special permission from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to undergo his fitness test in the United Kingdom.

"I think they've both done their fitness tests or the fitness norms that have been suggested. Again, I wish Adrian were here or somebody from the team were there. As far as I know or the selectors know, they've gone through the required norms that have been put in place. So, I haven't heard anything other than that. And generally, before selection, we give names out to the COE, who tells us about the fitness status of all the players. And everyone who's been picked has been declared fit and available," said Agarkar.

"That's the format they (Virat and Rohit) are at the moment playing, we picked them as far as the 2027 World Cup is concerned. I don't think we need to talk about it today. Obviously, with the captaincy change, that's generally the thought," he added.

Adding more to the big takeaways from the squad selection, Shubman Gill was named as India's new ODI captain, replacing Rohit for the massive role.