Ravi Shastri weighs in on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI future
In a candid chat with Fox Sports, former India head coach Ravi Shastri offered his thoughts on the evolving ODI future of two of India’s greatest white-ball powerhouses — Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. With both legends returning to India colours for a three-match ODI series against Australia starting October 19, the cricketing world is keen to know whether their days in limited-overs cricket are numbered or still far from over. Shastri’s remarks come as the BCCI downplayed retirement rumors and pivoted attention to the immediate task at hand: the Australia series and the looming World Cup cycles.
The core question: Are Kohli and Rohit done with ODIs?
Kohli, renowned as a masterful chaser, and Rohit, explosive at the top, have both stepped away from Tests this year. Shastri reminded fans that retirement decisions in one format don’t automatically dictate fate in others. “Virat Kohli is a master chaser, and Rohit is explosive at the top. They feel they’ve got enough cricket in them,” Shastri said, underscoring the players’ own assessment of their hunger and fitness levels.
According to Shastri, the longevity of their ODI careers will hinge on multiple factors: ongoing fitness, motivation, and the passion for the game. “It depends how hungry you are, how fit you are, whether that passion for the game is still there. With their experience, it’ll come in very handy,” he added, framing Kohli and Rohit’s future as a personal calculus rather than a public decree.
One series at a time: The practical approach to the 2027 World Cup
Looking ahead to the potential involvement in the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Shastri advocated a pragmatic approach. “I would say take it one series at a time. It’s still a long way to go,” he commented, emphasizing that the broader goal should align with form, fitness, and consistent motivation observed in the near term. This stance reflects a coaching philosophy that favors current performance over long-horizon speculation.
Self-determination: Players’ own ODI futures
Shastri touched on a familiar theme: players deciding their ODI futures, much like Kohli and Rohit did with Tests. “Virat retired from Test Cricket, as did Rohit. They were not asked to retire. They went on their own. I would think it’s similar. If they’re not enjoying it, if the form is not good, you never know. They might pull the plug themselves.” This perspective aligns with the autonomy many modern cricketers seek and reflects the evolving realities of international sport where athletes increasingly steer their own careers.
The BCCI stance and the Australia series
With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) dismissing retirement rumors, the Australia ODIs take on additional significance. The series represents more than a transition phase; it tests Kohli and Rohit’s ability to anchor India’s white-ball setups as the team navigates a post-Tests era. How they perform over the three matches could influence future selection and the ongoing strategic planning for 50-over cricket in India.
What this means for India’s white-ball plans
As India prepares for a broader white-ball transition, the contributions of Kohli and Rohit extend beyond mere runs. Their leadership, experience, and ability to chase or anchor innings remain valuable assets. The cricketing world will watch not just scores but also fitness, intent, and the hunger that Shastri highlighted. If both players sustain high levels of motivation and form, their ODI careers could extend well beyond this year, potentially influencing squad composition and leadership roles in the coming World Cup cycle.
Conclusion: A future shaped by hunger, fitness, and personal choice
Ravi Shastri’s assessment reinforces a cricketing truth: longevity in ODIs is contingent on more than age. It hinges on the players’ self-evaluation, the rigors of global schedules, and the constant demand to perform under pressure. As Kohli and Rohit step back into India colours for the Australia series, fans can expect not just fireworks with the bat but a nuanced discussion about the sustainability of their ODI futures and the tantalizing prospect of their participation in the 2027 World Cup, should their hunger and fitness remain at peak levels.
- Category: Sports News
- Tags: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, ODI cricket, 2027 World Cup, Ravi Shastri, BCCI, Australia series
