Last Time in Australia": Pat Cummins'   Emotional Reveal on Kohli & Rohit

The Australian summer of cricket is set to be graced by two of its greatest modern rivals one final time. In a heartfelt admission that has resonated with fans worldwide, Australian captain Pat Cummins revealed that the upcoming ODI series against India could mark the last time the home crowd witnesses Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing on their soil.

This poignant revelation comes as Cummins himself is on the sidelines, missing the white-ball contest due to a back injury that also puts his participation in the high-voltage first Ashes Test in November in jeopardy.

A Farewell to Icons

Kohli and Rohit, who have both retired from Test and T20I cricket, have been named in the Indian squad for the three-match ODI series. Their presence adds a layer of significance to the contest, transforming it from a typical bilateral series into a potential farewell tour for the legendary duo.

Speaking to JioHotstar, Cummins did not hide his admiration for the Indian stalwarts. “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,” he stated.

The Australian skipper went on to praise their monumental contributions, adding, “They’ve obviously been champions of the game for India and are always very well supported. Whenever we play them, the crowd gets loud.”

More Than Just a Series: A Glimpse into the Future

This series carries immense weight for the future of Indian cricket. With the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa on the horizon, the performances of Kohli and Rohit will be closely scrutinized. Their ability to dominate bowling attacks will be a key indicator of their planned roles and longevity in the team's roadmap for the next global tournament.

For Australian cricket, it's a chance to celebrate the careers of two players who have been central to some of the most memorable India-Australia clashes over the past decade and a half.

Cummins' Dual Disappointment

While discussing the iconic Indians, Cummins also expressed his personal disappointment at missing the series. The injury has forced him to watch from the stands as a major home series unfolds.

“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,” Cummins lamented.

With Cummins absent, the leadership reins have been handed to Mitchell Marsh. The regular captain shared his thoughts on the team's approach under the stand-in skipper, emphasizing a balance between winning and building for the future.

“It’s three matches you want to win, but it’s also about giving exposure to the younger guys coming through, particularly those who weren’t part of the last World Cup,” Cummins explained. “The goal is to try and play them, see what they can do, and make sure 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.”

As the first ODI approaches, the narrative extends beyond the boundary. It’s a celebration of legacy, a glimpse into a transitioning era, and for fans in Australia, a potential last chance to watch two of cricket's brightest stars shine on their grounds.