NEW DELHI: The India-Australia cricket rivalry has reached new heights, even though superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are no longer playing T20Is. Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that the public allocation tickets for the upcoming India-Australia T20I at the MCG on October 31 have sold out.

This shows that fan excitement has not waned, despite India's biggest crowd-pullers, Kohli and Rohit, retiring from T20Is following the team's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign last year in the Caribbean.

Ticket sales for the India-Australia series, which includes three ODIs and five T20Is, have already surpassed 175,000, leaving fewer than 30,000 tickets available for the eight scheduled matches, according to CA.

Public allocations for Sydney and Manuka Oval have already sold out, while the Adelaide ODI and Gabba T20I are close to full capacity, with fewer than 5,000 seats remaining for each match.

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said the overwhelming response underscores the unparalleled appeal of the India-Australia rivalry.

"The huge crowd anticipated for the Melbourne T20I is another strong indicator of the incredible interest in this series," he said in a statement.

"We're thrilled to see fans embracing the Australia v India contest with such passion, and we look forward to delivering a world-class experience both on and off the field.

"To have over 175,000 tickets sold with 13 days until the first ODI in Perth is a phenomenal result. It speaks volumes about the strength of the rivalry and the enthusiasm of fans across the country."

Kohli and Rohit will return to action after a seven-month hiatus, as both stalwarts have been named in India's squad for the three-match ODI series in Australia starting October 19. Both players last featured for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final in March.

Men's ODI Series v India

October 19: Perth Stadium, Perth (D/N)
October 23: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (D/N)
October 25: SCG, Sydney (D/N)

Men's T20I Series v India

October 29: Manuka Oval, Canberra (N)
October 31: MCG, Melbourne (N)
November 2: Bellerive Oval, Hobart (N)
November 6: Gold Coast Stadium, Gold Coast (N)
November 8: The Gabba, Brisbane (N)