With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma wrapping up their final tour of Australia as active international players, a buzzing question is doing the rounds — will the two modern-day icons ever return Down Under to feature in the Big Bash League?
The third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground felt symbolic. Kohli and Rohit, side by side, turned back the clock with a stunning 168-run unbeaten stand, guiding India to a 9-wicket win. Rohit’s 33rd ODI century and Kohli’s gritty 74* came as a reminder of their unmatched class. It wasn’t just another victory — it was a moment that hinted at the end of an era.
Greenberg Opens the Door
Before the two Indian stalwarts lit up the SCG, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg was asked a pointed question — could the BBL attract legends like Kohli and Rohit after their international retirement?
His response was both measured and promising.
“I think in the short to medium term, it is realistic. We are to keep the dialogue open.”
Greenberg emphasized how Ravichandran Ashwin’s signing with Sydney Thunder has set the ball rolling.
“Ravi Ashwin’s coming is a really important moment for the BBL, and it will highlight the strength of bringing Indian players into the league.”
The Ashwin Effect
Ashwin’s entry into the BBL is being celebrated as one of the league’s biggest coups in recent times. But it’s also an important case study. The move only became possible after Ashwin had stepped away from international cricket and the IPL — a clear indicator that Indian superstars can only be signed post-retirement.
For Cricket Australia, this is more than a headline. It’s a proof of concept. If the league can sustain interest and grow financially, it might one day have the power to bring in players of Kohli and Rohit’s stature.
Private Investment Could Be the Game-Changer
One key element in this equation is private capital. Greenberg hinted that the BBL is exploring investment models that could make the league financially strong enough to pursue global icons. If that happens, the idea of seeing Kohli or Rohit in BBL jerseys may no longer feel like wishful thinking — it could become a real possibility.
A Post-Retirement Pathway for Indian Legends
Right now, active Indian cricketers can’t participate in overseas leagues. But Ashwin’s signing provides a blueprint for what could happen after retirement. If timing, investment, and player interest align, Kohli and Rohit could follow a similar route.
Their potential appearance wouldn’t just boost the BBL’s popularity — it would elevate the league’s global stature. And for Australian fans, it would be the ultimate encore.
The dream of seeing Kohli and Rohit walk out in BBL colors isn’t a reality yet. But it’s no longer just speculation. It’s a conversation that’s officially begun.
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