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Former India National Cricket Team head coach and well-known broadcaster Ravi Shastri has strongly backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid the ongoing discussion about their future in the ODI team.
With both former Indian captains aiming to play in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027, Shastri believes that there is no reason to keep talking about their return because they never really went away. His comments came amid Kohli and Rohit’s return for the ODI series against the West Indies. Earlier, Ramandeep Singh picked Shubman Gill over Rohit Sharma, AB de Villiers over Virat Kohli.
Ravi Shastri’s explosive take on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future turns heads
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both have already retired from Test and T20I cricket, and now they play only the ODI format with the aim of playing in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. After the England tour, there was a lot of noise around their World Cup dream and place in India’s ODI setup.
However, the modern batting legends are back for the ongoing three-match ODI series, with Kohli already confirming that the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 will be his last mega event. Speaking about Rohit, the hitman's chances are also looking bright for next year’s prestigious tournament.
Amid the massive buzz, Ravi Shastri warned those trying to remove Rohit and Kohli from the team that they may have to make way themselves, and the latest example is the outgoing chief selector, Ajit Agarkar. He wanted to move on from Rohit, and BCCI didn’t renew his contract.
Ravi Shastri said on Star Sports, "You know what pisses me off? And I'm being direct here. Is this the topic of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma? You know that they're back. When did they ever go? And where did they go that they have to be back? If people want to take them out, they've got to watch their chairs. They might have to disappear.”
Don't worry about these two: Shastri on Ro-Ko
The former Indian captain feels Rohit and Kohli will continue playing and could feature in their final ODI World Cup in 2027. The former India head coach praised their massive contribution to white-ball cricket over the last 15 years and said both have built a huge legacy around the world.
Shastri further shared, “Don't worry about these two. They'll be there. They will play. And God willing, they do well today. I mean, it's a tribute to what they've done over the last decade and a half. You know, the legacy that they're going to leave behind. In all probability, it will be the last World Cup they'll play.”
Read Also: "Because the camera is on": Virat Kohli's witty reply on being called a "refined man".
Ravi Shastri hails Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as white-ball giants
The 1983 World Cup winner highlighted how Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have entertained fans globally, guided younger players, and become role models for the next generation of cricketers to follow their path. The former head coach also called the duo the great white-ball cricketers.
Shastri signed off by saying, “They've been giants of the white ball game; make no mistake about it. They've entertained all over the world. They've been great role models for the young players coming through. And people aspire. People dream; they want to emulate great players of the past. And Virat and Rohit are two of them.”
“When did they ever go?!” 🤬#RaviShastri shares his thoughts on all the chatter about #RohitSharma & #ViratKohli 🎙️👀#INDvWI 1st ODI 👉 LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/zk2ABY21JG pic.twitter.com/baZoA759MA
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 27, 2026
