Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma cannot win an Olympic medal. Photo: BCCI
Cricket will make its return to the Olympics after 128 years. As many as six teams will compete for the elusive Gold medal at the LA 2028 Olympics. The women's teams will also participate in the global event. Cricket made its previous appearance at the global event back in 1900.
While the sport will draw huge eyeballs, the Indian games will lack a bit of star power as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma won't be part of the LA Olympics. They will not have an opportunity to win the Olympic medal even if they continue to play after the 2027 ODI World Cup. Here we have a look at the reason behind it -
Cricket in the Olympics will be played in a T20 format. Since Virat and Rohit have now retired from T20I cricket, they won't have an opportunity to win Olympic medals.
The former India T20I captains quit the shortest format after winning the 2024 World Cup. Rohit-led India defeated South Africa in the final to lift the title for the second time. Virat announced his retirement few minutes after the final while Rohit made the official announcement during the post-match presentation ceremony.
They continue to play IPL for their respective teams. Virat is part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru whereas Rohit is part of Mumbai Indians. Rohit now plays as an Impact Player.
Who will lead India in Olympics?
Suryakumar Yadav is the present T20I captain and is confirmed to lead India in the 2026 T20 World Cup. He might retain captaincy if India perform well in the ICC event.
Shubman Gill is the present vice-captain of the white-ball teams and will be the favourite to replace Suryakumar if there's a change in captaincy. He assists Rohit in ODI cricket. Shubman could be given the same job in Test cricket during the England tour.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from IPL 2025,IPL Orange Cap, IPL Purple Cap, Most Sixes in IPL, Cricket, Sports and around the world.
