On Thursday, October 30, India Women made history by beating Australia Women in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The five-wicket victory not only ended Australia’s incredible winning streak of 15 World Cup matches, but it included one of the all-time great innings by India in a knockout match in any format of the game, that of Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored 127*.

Australia had earlier scored an imposing 338, thanks to Phoebe Litchfield's 119 off 93 balls, with contributions from Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (63). For India, the batting did not get off to the best of starts, losing Shafali Verma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24) early. Jemimah and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (89) put together a partnership of 167 runs which completely turned the trajectory of the game. The right-hander got India across the finish line in a successful chase for 339, the highest chase ever for India in a WC match.

Jemimah's innings now ranks among the five highest individual scores by Indian batters in World Cup knockout matches, for both men and women.

5 Sourav Ganguly – 111 (vs Kenya, Durban, 2003 World Cup semifinal)*

Sourav Ganguly was the captain of the Indian batting attack in the 2003 semifinal against Kenya. Coming in to bat at No. 3, Ganguly scored a magnificent 111 not out off 114 balls which included five fours and five sixes, leading India to a total of 270/4. He formed a valuable second-wicket partnership of 103 along with Sachin Tendulkar (83). India ultimately went on to win the match by 91 runs, which propelled them into the final.

4 Virat Kohli – 117 (vs New Zealand, Mumbai, 2023 World Cup semifinal)

Ninety-seven years after Ganguly's innings in the last match, Kohli's 117 at Wankhede Stadium was once again a study in control and timing. It was his 50th ODI century and he did it in front of his hero, Sachin Tendulkar, in a total of 397/4. He hit nine fours and two sixes before falling to Tim Southee. Kohli's innings saw India through to the finals and was another memorable moment in Kohli's remarkable career.

3 Jemimah Rodrigues – 127 (vs Australia, Navi Mumbai, 2025 World Cup semifinal)*

In what was her first-ever World Cup knockout match, Jemimah Rodrigues produced an innings to remember. Her unbeaten 127 off 134 balls, laced with 14 boundaries, came in a high-pressure chase against a world-class Australian attack. Teaming up with Harmanpreet, Jemimah carried India over the line with poise and determination, adding finishing touches with Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, and Amanjot Kaur. It was an innings that symbolized maturity beyond her years.

ALSO SEE: List of the highest run chases in Women ODI history

2 Rohit Sharma – 137 (vs Bangladesh, Melbourne, 2015 World Cup quarterfinal)

Rohit Sharma continued his love affair with ICC events during the 2015 quarterfinal against Bangladesh. Opening the innings, he scored a sparkling 137 off 126 deliveries with 14 fours and three sixes. His partnerships with Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina powered India to 302/6, setting up a 109-run victory. It was a statement knock in a pressure game.

1 Harmanpreet Kaur – 171 (vs Australia, Derby, 2017 World Cup semifinal)*

The top spot belongs to Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbelievable 171* in the 2017 semifinal at Derby, one of the greatest knocks ever in women’s cricket. Her innings, packed with 20 fours and 7 sixes, powered India to 281/4 in just 42 overs. The sheer dominance of her strokeplay left Australia shell-shocked, and India won by 36 runs to reach the final.

India’s Top 5 World Cup Knockout Scores

From Harmanpreet's spectacular performance on a hot day at Derby to Jemimah's brilliant innings in Navi Mumbai, these innings represent India's glorious cricketing history of producing world-class performers on the global stage. Each knock came with great pressure - and each became an eternal chapter in Indian cricket.

As Virat Kohli, the former ODI captain, reaches Australia for the upcoming three-match 50-over series down under from October 19 at the Optus Stadium in Perth, there are still fresh speculations of whether the veteran would continue to play the 50-over format till the next World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

During a recent podcast with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kohli recalled the suggestion from the former Indian World Cup-winning captain, MS Dhoni, and the head coach, Gary Kirsten, ahead of the home World Cup 2011. That was the early stage of Kohli’s career, having made his debut just two years ago against Sri Lanka.

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“Gary and MS made it very clear to me that we are backing you to play at number three. And this is what you can do for the team. What you represent on the field, your energy, your engagement, that's one of the biggest values to us. So we want you to play that way.” Kohli expressed during the interaction.

Virat Kohli reveals what MS Dhoni and Gary Kirsten told him ahead of ODI World Cup 2011

Kohli wasn’t the most renowned player when he joined the national side. But over the years, with his match-winning performances, he collected fame and became one of the top performers of the Blue Brigade.

“I was never looked upon as an outright match-winner who could change a game from anywhere. But I had this thing where I'm going to stay in the fight, I am not going to give up. And that is what they backed. So that very thing God blessed me with that helped me improve my game and technique.” Kohli addressed.

“I have never been shy to admit that I was not the most technically sound, naturally gifted player. I evolved a lot while playing because I was keen on learning, very keen to get better. I wanted to be the best. There's no denying I wanted to be the best. And that hunger, that desire to keep improving and eventually win more games for your team, is what helped me improve my game.” The Delhi-born concluded.

The former Indian captain and the star batter, Virat Kohli, has given a cryptic message ahead of the three-match ODI series between India and Australia down under as Kohli, who doesn’t often shares personal messages on X (formerly known as Twitter), took the platforms to share his aim right after landing in Perth on October 16, three days before the opening clash at the Optus Stadium. 

Kohli’s last competitive game came during the final of the IPL 2025 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru against the Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. For the Blue Brigade, he featured in the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, besides taking his Test retirement just after the IPL.

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“The only time you truly fail is when you decide to give up.” Kohli’s tweet went viral straight away, with the fans speculating the real meaning behind the words. It could be his aim to remain in contention for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Virat Kohli posts cryptic message on X amid ODI World Cup 2027 speculations

BCCI’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, revealed that they hadn’t discussed the future of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Their head coach, Gautam Gambhir, echoed the same sentiment after the recent home Test series, as he hopes both veterans are going through a strong series down under.

The only time you truly fail, is when you decide to give up.

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 16, 2025

“They (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) are quality players, and their experience will be invaluable. With the 2027 World Cup still two and a half years away, it’s important to stay focused on the present. Kohli and Rohit are both exceptional players, and their return will be a big boost. Hopefully, they have a successful tour, and more importantly, the team comes out with a strong series performance in Australia.” Gambhir expressed after the recent Test series against the West Indies.

Kohli is the third leading run-getter in ODIs with 14181 runs in 290 innings at an average of 57.88 with the help of 51 centuries and 48 half-centuries. Rohit has clubbed 11168 runs at an average of 48.76 with 32 centuries and 58 fifties.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be back in competitive cricket since the end of the IPL2025 and for the first time for the national side since February this year when they earned the Champions Trophy 2025. There are speculations if the veterans would find the same rhythm and form during the series, which would be critical for their selection.

However, the former Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri, is uncertain around the future of the batting duo for the upcoming World Cup. He reckoned that the entire selection depends on their hunger and fitness as he compared it with Steve Smith from Australia’s point of view.

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“That's why they're here. They're part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger and, of course, form. So, I think this series is very important to see how they go. They themselves will know by the end of this series how they feel and then it's their call. It’s the same thing with Steve Smith from Australia's point of view.” Shastri expressed to Kayo Sports’ reporters in Sydney.

Ravi Shastri unsure of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing ODI World Cup 2027

Shastri also praised India’s performance in their title winning campaign of Asia Cup 2025. He also lauded Tilak Varma’s knock and pointed out the solid future in the presence of Shubman Gill, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and others in the shortest format.

“Verma’s innings in that Asia Cup final was absolutely fantastic. Because under pressure to play like that (was impressive). There's some good young guns there in (Yashasvi) Jaiswal, there's (Shubman) Gill, there's Tilak Varma. A lot of good young talent and lot of allrounders as well in Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel, so it's a strong white-ball unit.” The former Indian all-rounder explained.

“India is much stronger in white ball than the red ball. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli- they know that these youngsters are pushing them. But there's no substitute for experience when it comes to the big games, as we saw in the Champions Trophy. Come the big games and the big boys step up.” Shastri concluded.

The left-arm spin all-rounder of the Indian side, Ravindra Jadeja, has broken silence on his future in the 50-over format after being snubbed from the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia down under. He won the player of the match during the opening Ahmedabad Test against West Indies in the ongoing series, besides picking three wickets in the Delhi Test. 

Many were shocked to see the ODI squad without the premier spin all-rounder. The newly appointed captain, Shubman Gill, spoke about how the presence of two veteran batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, would strengthen their side for the next 50-over World Cup. However, there was hardly any mention of Jadeja in that discussion.  

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“The chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Shubman Gill spoke to me. They explained the reason behind the decision. It’s not like I found out suddenly — they were clear and honest. But I didn’t understand the reasons. Whenever I get a chance again in the ODI format, I’ll give my best and do what I’ve always done.” Jadeja expressed after the second day of the Delhi Test.

Ravindra Jadeja keen to feature in India’s ODI World Cup 2027 plans

Jadeja has overall smashed 2806 runs in 137 ODI innings at a strike rate of 85.44 with 13 half-centuries besides picking up 231 wickets at an average of 35.41 with seven four-wicket and a couple of five-wicket hauls. He has the desire to contribute to the national side in ICC events.

“Every cricketer dreams of winning a World Cup. We came close last time but couldn’t finish the job. Hopefully, next time we can go that one step further. I don’t think too much about records. Sometimes it crosses my mind, but it’s not a priority. What matters to me is whether my performance is helping the team win.” The Gujarat-born added.

“Scoring runs or taking wickets only matters if it leads to victories — especially in ICC tournaments or the World Test Championship. When those performances contribute to wins, that’s when I feel truly satisfied.” Ravindra Jadeja concluded. Having not been in the ODI side, he will feature in the home Test series against South Africa in November.

The left-arm Australia fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, has recently announced his T20I retirement to keep him fresh for the ODIs and the Tests, as he plans for the upcoming Ashes 2025/26 and the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. But there is speculation whether he would feature in the IPL 2026.

Across the formats, Starc is the third leading wicket-taker for Australia with 725 wickets in 384 innings at an average of 35.45 and a strike rate of 37.32 with an economy rate of just over nine. He has already enjoyed 25 five-wicket hauls and focuses much more on the 50-over format ahead.

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“For lack of a better term, I want to milk my body as much as I can for as much Test cricket as possible. That was never going to be off the table. I just felt like one of the other had to give. I feel like I've got plenty to offer the ODI team and with that goal of getting my body to 2027 - but also being good enough to be in that team for the World Cup in 2027.” Starc was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Mitchell Starc provides future update after announcing his T20I retirement

If Starc features in the 2027 World Cup, he could end up being the greatest World Cup bowler of all time. His 65 wickets in 28 innings came at an average of under 20 at an economy rate of 5.15 and a strike rate of 22.44, with the best figures of 6/28 in an inning.

“I umm-ed and ahh-ed about which was the right (format) to put to the side. If I wasn't going to be in the frame for 2027, then I didn't want to hold up the spot. I still feel like I've got plenty to offer that ODI team. I'd thought about it for a while. I feel like it was probably a good time.” The New South Wales pacer addressed.

“The three one-dayer (against India) are a nice, controlled lead-in to five Test matches, 10 overs a game, time on the legs, they're not a day after each other. Some Shield games can be added to that schedule. (But) I think it's important not to have a concrete way of thinking.” Starc concluded.

The former Indian all-rounder, Irfan Pathan, has leaked his conversation with the current ODI captain of the Blue Brigade, Rohit Sharma, regarding the latter’s participation in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Under his captaincy, they won the title of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, beating New Zealand.

Rohit Sharma has smashed 302 runs in eight ODI innings in the ongoing year at an average of 37.75 and a strike rate of 108.24, with the help of one fifty and one century. In 2023, the right-handed batter smashed 1255 runs in 26 innings at an average of 52.29 and a strike rate of 117.07 with two centuries and nine fifties.

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“I’ve spoken to Rohit Sharma and he’s very keen about fitness. Then, Virat, I am sure, is very keen as well with the way he has been seen practicing in England. I have also seen a statement from Mohammed Shami which says that he’s very keen too.” The Baroda all-rounder, Irfan Pathan, expressed on Revsportz.

 Irfan Pathan leaks personal conversation with Rohit Sharma on ODI World Cup 2027

Overall, Rohit has smashed 11168 runs in the 50-over format in 265 innings at an average of 48.77 and a strike rate of 92.80, thanks to 32 centuries and 58 half-centuries at the best score of 264 runs against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Pathan believes the game will make the final decision for the Mumbai batter.

“The keenness is important from the player’s point of view, so this is a great thing about them – that they are in touch and working on their fitness as well. If I’m looking at things as a broadcaster, I think the game time they get regularly will decide their presence in the World Cup 27.” Irfan Pathan shed light.

Even if Rohit finds the chance to feature in this World Cup 2027, there is no guarantee of the veteran leading the national side. Shubman Gill could end up being the frontrunner to captain the Blue Brigade during the assignment. Along with Rohit, the same inspection has been around the future of Virat Kohli in the ODI cricket. 

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's career longevity seems to be at risk as the upcoming ODI tour to Australia could well be the final international assignment of their career. While many had anticipated the veteran duo to push on till the 2027 ODI World Cup before calling time, it now seems that their days in the ODI format are numbered. 

According to a report from Dainik Jagran, both Rohit and Kohli could miss out as the team management is looking to build a young team and get them battle-ready ahead of the next World Cup, which is slated to be held in South Africa and Zimbabwe. As a consequence, the duo's final ODI appearance could be as far away as the Australia ODI series, which will be held later this year in October. 

See also: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to return in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26? Report drops bombshell

Big Breaking

आस्ट्रेलिया में हो सकती है रोहित-विराट की आखिरी सीरीज

- 2027 विश्व कप की रणनीति में इन दोनों को नहीं देख रहा टीम प्रबंधन
- वनडे टीम में बने रहने के लिए विजय हजारे ट्राफी में खेलना पड़ सकता है दोनों को
-ऐसे में हो सकता है इस शर्त के कारण ये दोनों आस्ट्रेलिया सीरीज… pic.twitter.com/olZk9RLBfF

— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) August 10, 2025

So what does the report entail?

The Dainik Jagran report reveals some ground-breaking insights. According to the recently published report, the management is more inclined to feature more youngsters in a bid to include some fresh, energetic talent. If Rohit and Virat are to retain their spots, then they will be required to perform in List-A tournaments such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VIT) to prove their form and fitness. It is learnt that the new era for Team India has begun, as the team management has a long-term vision of grooming the existing young talent to make them become the next big thing in world cricket.

India's ODI tour will commence on October 19 and end on October 25. A total of three ODI games will be played. Reports suggest that a big announcement is expected before the series kicks off. Should the dreadful retirement news break out, it will mark the end of an exemplary era for Indian cricket. In Rohit's absence, India's newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill could take over the captaincy reins in the white-ball format. Gill had a stellar red-ball tour to England where he amassed over 700 runs at a jaw-dropping average of nearly 75 and played an instrumental role in helping India secure a hard-fought 2-2 draw. 

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the left-handed Indian opening batter, took a U-turn in five weeks to stay with the Mumbai Cricket Association, refusing his pre-decision to move to Goa for the 2025-26 domestic season. Many wondered what happened behind the scenes as the Times of India (TOI) revealed that it was Rohit Sharma who insisted Jaiswal stay with Mumbai and play with pride. 

The southpaw, reportedly, communicated his decision to stretch his domestic career with Mumbai after the hitman’s advice. The president of the association, Ajinkya Naik, revealed that Yashasvi Jaiswal’s request to withdraw the NOC for his move to Goa was approved by the body thereafter.

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“Rohit asked Yashasvi to stay on in Mumbai at this stage of his career. He explained to him that there was a lot of pride and prestige in playing for a team like Mumbai, which has won the Ranji Trophy a record 42 times. Rohit also told Yashasvi that he must never forget that it was because of Mumbai cricket that he got a platform to show his talent and go on to play for India.” MCA president, Ajinkya Naik, told TOI.

Rohit Sharma convinces Yashasvi Jaiswal to stay back in Mumbai

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been in terrific touch recently, having finished the England trip as the ninth leading run-getter with 411 runs in 10 innings at an average of 41.10 and a strike rate of nearly 70. The left-handed batter has already nailed 2209 Test runs in 46 innings at an average of 50.20, scoring 12 fifties and six centuries at the best score of 214.

On the other hand, it had been reportedly revealed that the Nagpur-born might not come under the plans of the BCCI for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027. The veteran decided to call it a day off the T20I format after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States of America, before hanging up his shoes from the longest format a couple of months ago, to focus on the 50-over format.

Jaiswal and Rohit shared a good opening partnership in a few of the games together. The former decided to stay back in England for a month with no international assignment in August. He will be back to feature in the Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru from August 28.

When both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their respective retirements from the shortest format after the end of the T20 World Cup 2024, many reckoned that it would be a desire for the veterans to put their focus on the longest format and 50-over cricket. However, both veterans made a ground-breaking decision a couple of months ago by hanging up their shoes in the red-ball format.

The only upcoming event for both to play will be the ODI games, with the 2027 ODI World Cup knocking on the door. Both India players are believed to be fit and ready for the event in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. However, it now seems to be a potential end in the game for the Mumbai and Delhi batters.

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The team is slowly moving into the transition phase as they did in the Test format, under Shubman Gill’s leadership, who did an excellent job by drawing the away England series 2-2. This means that with more youngsters coming in, it could be the possible end of the road for these two experienced players in the World Cup.

BCCI to have honest conversation on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

It's a desire for both players to win the ICC 50-over event, which they failed to lift in 2023 at home. They went through an unbeaten campaign before losing the final against Australia in Ahmedabad. A recent report also claimed that Rohit had already been going full throttle to ensure he remains in the best shape and fitness for the next World Cup.

"Yes, it will be discussed soon. We still have more than two years for the next World Cup (November 2027). Both Kohli and Rohit will be pushing 40 by then, so there has to be a clear plan ahead for the big event, as our last win was in 2011. We also need to try out a few youngsters in time. Look, both Kohli and Rohit have made huge contributions to white ball cricket for the team and the sport in general. They have achieved almost everything. So, I don’t think anybody is going to force their hand, but there will be some honest and professional conversations before the next ODI cycle starts to see where they stand mentally and physically. It depends on that," as per reported by PTI.