NEW DELHI: Amid the ongoing debate over his ODI future, star India batter Virat Kohli has shifted his focus to regaining match fitness, having been out of action since Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title-winning IPL campaign earlier this year.

India's next ODI assignment is a three-match series against Australia, beginning on October 19. In preparation for the series, Kohli has already started gearing up. According to RevSportz, the right-handed batter had an intense two-hour session in the indoor nets at Lord's in London.

Kohli practiced with great focus against both spin and pace, experimenting with a variety of shots and leaving onlookers impressed by his dedication and commitment to the game.

Several reports had suggested that the upcoming Australia series might serve as a farewell tour for Kohli and ODI captain Rohit Sharma. However, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla dismissed the rumours, stating that the board never pressures players into retirement and emphasizing that both former Indian captains are still eligible to play ODI cricket.

"When did they retire? Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will both play one-dayers. So, if they are playing, why are you worried about a farewell series? Yes, they have retired from two formats in phases, but they are playing in ODIs, right? No need to overthink about it," Shukla said on the podcast on the sidelines of the UPT20.

"Our policy at the BCCI is very clear. We don't tell any player to retire. A player makes that call himself. He has to decide, and we respect that. We can only decide something when it's official. Virat Kohli is extremely fit, and Rohit Sharma has been playing so well. Why are you worried about a farewell?"