When Star Sports dropped a teaser saying, “Guess who’s coming back to dominate the Aussies?” with a picture of the famous No. 18 jersey, cricket fans immediately jumped to one conclusion – Virat Kohli. After all, that number has been synonymous with him for over a decade. But this time, things may not be as straightforward as they seem.
Kohli and Rohit’s Long-Awaited Comeback
The Asia Cup begins tomorrow, but fans are already looking ahead to October 19. That’s the date earmarked for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s likely return to Indian cricket after nearly six months away. The last time the two legends played for India was during the Champions Trophy in March 2025. Since then, they’ve retired from Test cricket, leaving a void in the side.
They were expected to feature in the India–Bangladesh ODI series last month, but after that series was cancelled, their comeback was pushed to the much-anticipated limited-overs tour of Australia. That tour includes five T20Is and three ODIs, and it could well be the defining moment for both players. Questions remain: can Rohit and Kohli stretch their careers till the 2027 World Cup, or will this Australia series be their farewell act?
Why It Might Not Be About Kohli
While the teaser got everyone talking about Kohli, there’s every chance it isn’t about him at all. In fact, all signs point towards Smriti Mandhana. The Australian women’s team is touring India for a three-match ODI series starting September 14. With the Women’s World Cup just around the corner, this series is a crucial test for both sides.
India’s women’s squad for the ODIs was announced on August 19, the very same day Ajit Agarkar and Suryakumar Yadav revealed the men’s Asia Cup team. That timing makes it even more likely the Star Sports teaser was referring to Mandhana rather than Kohli.
Smriti Mandhana’s Stunning Record vs Australia
If there’s anyone who deserves the hype against Australia, it’s Smriti Mandhana. Her numbers speak for themselves:
- ODIs: 616 runs in 16 matches at an average of 38.5, including two centuries.
- Tests: 270 runs in just two games at an average of 90, highlighted by a brilliant pink-ball century.
- T20Is: 737 runs from 26 matches, proving her consistency across formats.
Mandhana has been one of India’s most dependable performers, and her track record against the Australians makes her a genuine match-winner. For fans expecting Kohli, this revelation may come as a surprise – but it doesn’t make the upcoming series any less exciting.
The Bigger Picture
Whether it’s Mandhana’s showdown with Australia in September or Kohli and Rohit’s comeback in October, Indian cricket fans have plenty to look forward to. The return of the No. 18 jersey – whether it belongs to Mandhana or Kohli – is sure to create fireworks.
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