The Indian ODI team futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are the question in every cricket fan's mind. Both the white-ball heroes are said to take the flight to Australia for the three-match ODI series on October 19 in Perth. The national selectors are likely to announce the squad on Saturday (October 4), which is also the third day of India's first Test against West Indies in Ahmedabad. But there are some tough challenges ahead. Major names like Hardik Pandya, recovering from a quadriceps strain, and Rishabh Pant, recovering from a fracture in his foot, will be missing the series. Test captain Shubman Gill, who has played the recent Asia Cup and is leading the two-Test series, could also be rested in order to keep his workload light. Rohit and Kohli: Back After a Seven-Month Break Rohit and Kohli have both been putting in the hard work following a seven-month break from international cricket since the Champions Trophy in March. Kohli stood out at the Asia Cup, scoring a century off Pakistan and leading the scorers in the semi-final against Australia. Rohit, on his part, got through a lean run to make a match-winning performance against New Zealand in the final. Also Read | When Did India Last Play Without Kohli and Rohit in a Multi-Nation Tournament? The BCCI source said: "There is no reason to remove Rohit from the leadership role. He has hardly failed in this format unless he himself chooses to focus solely on batting." Both players have retired from Tests and T20Is and are currently concentrating on ODIs, raising questions about their longevity before the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. The BCCI is playing safe. With just six ODIs planned this year, three away in Australia and three at home against New Zealand, the selectors can afford to act slowly before making a call. Team India's first priority continues to be the T20 World Cup later this year and gaining maximum points out of the four home Tests in 2025. A teaser promo launched by Jio Hotstar with busts of Rohit and Kohli suggests their probable inclusion in the team. However, the congested calendar of eight games in 19 days with five T20Is and seven domestic flights will prompt some tactical rotation. India's first Test against South Africa will be played in Kolkata from November 14, adding to workload management woes. India fans can expect clarity soon, but the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could inject experience and firepower into the limited-overs side for the crucial Australia tour.