Shastri: Kohli and Rohit Still Have ODI Fire for the Road Ahead
In a candid assessment that adds fuel to ongoing retirement speculation, former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma still possess enough cricket left in them to contribute to India’s ODI plans, potentially through the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. Speaking during a media interaction with Fox Sports, Shastri stressed that the duo’s future in limited-overs cricket will hinge on personal hunger, fitness, and the desire to compete at the highest level.
One Series at a Time, with Eyes on 2027
The veteran coach cautioned against looking too far ahead. While acknowledging Kohli’s reputation as a master chaser and Rohit’s explosive opening prowess, Shastri argued the 2027 World Cup should not overshadow the immediate tasks at hand. “I would say take it one series at a time. It’s still a long way to go,” he said, underscoring the importance of performing consistently in the present.
Individual Hunger and Fitness as the Deciding Factors
Shastri’s comments go beyond pure talent, emphasizing the personal calculus that drives international longevity. “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 stated. The former coach suggested that the decision to continue in ODI cricket will be shaped by the players themselves, much as they independently concluded their Test careers earlier this year.
Test Retirement as a Precedent for ODI Futures
The discussion mirrors Kohli and Rohit’s recent retirement from Test cricket, a decision both cited as voluntary and self-motivated rather than externally pressured. Shastri noted that such retirements are often a reflection of the athletes’ own assessment of form and desire, rather than a formal summons from coaches or administrators. “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,” he explained.
What This Means for India’s ODI Plans
The timing of Shastri’s remarks is notable as India prepares for an upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, beginning October 19. It marks Kohli and Rohit’s return to India colors after confirming their Test retirements earlier in the year. For fans and analysts, the central question remains: will the pair be part of India’s white-ball framework going forward, including the 2027 World Cup?
According to Shastri, the answer will be determined by ongoing performance, fitness levels, and a continued appetite for the game. He suggested that the team management should not assume a ready-made path for Kohli and Rohit but should actively assess and adapt to the players’ readiness as matches unfold. The BCCI, for its part, has dismissed rumors that the Australia ODIs could be the duo’s last international assignment, signaling that the door remains open contingent on form and fitness.
Beyond the 2027 World Cup: A Practical Outlook
Even as the World Cup in South Africa looms large on every India fan’s radar, the immediate focus remains the Australia series. Kohli and Rohit’s performances in the three-match set will serve as a barometer for their future ODI roles, particularly as India pivots to the white-ball transition after their earlier retirements. Shastri’s viewpoint offers a pragmatic framework: respect the athletes’ autonomy, monitor hunger and fitness, and build a plan that adapts to their evolving readiness. This approach could help India balance experience with youthful energy in the broader pursuit of limited-overs dominance through the late 2020s.
As the series unfolds, cricket enthusiasts will watch closely to gauge whether Kohli and Rohit continue to anchor India’s ODI innings and if their expertise translates into sustained success on the world stage. The road to the 2027 World Cup remains long, but Shastri’s assessment provides a grounded perspective on how one generation of champions might transition, rather than exit, the international arena.
