[Picture] Former India batter practices with Rohit Sharma ahead of AUS vs IND 2025 ODIs

Team India's ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, recently practiced with middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan in Bengaluru as he prepares for the Men in Blue's three-match away ODI series. Sharma, who is now active only in the ODI format, announced his Test retirement during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). In 2024, the 38-year-old announced his retirement from T20Is, right after winning the T20 World Cup with India.

Sarfaraz shared glimpses of the training session on Instagram on Tuesday, September 16, offering fans an inside look at his preparation alongside the senior opener. The talented batter was part of India’s squad for the three-match home Test series against New Zealand last year, scoring 171 runs across six innings at an average of 28.50. However, he was not picked for the subsequent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England.

Ahead of the series, Sarfaraz played a 92-run knock for India A in the first unofficial Test against England Lions. India A will play three one-dayers against Australia A beginning September 30. Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should have been part of these games to maintain match readiness.

Chopra on Senior Stars Skipping India A Series

Chopra suggested that the selectors likely approached Sharma and Kohli, but they would have declined to participate. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: "Neither Rohit nor Kohli is playing. Of course, it's the India A matches against Australia A, and under normal circumstances, we would say it doesn't make a difference as Rohit and Kohli wouldn't play. However, if you see when was the last time they played competitive cricket, Kohli last played in the IPL final and Rohit Sharma played even before that."

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He added, "I am sure the selectors would have asked them and they would have refused. Why am I saying that the selectors would have asked them? Considering the team that has been picked, it has even been tried to include the Asia Cup players so that some form stays with them and they keep playing competitive games." Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to tour Australia for the three-match ODI series, with the first contest scheduled in Perth on October 19.