Shastri weighs Kohli and Rohit’s ODI future after Test retirements
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has added his voice to the ongoing debate about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s future in One Day International cricket. Speaking to Fox Sports, Shastri suggested that both veterans still possess the hunger and fitness to contribute in ODIs, potentially including India’s campaign at the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. Yet he also stressed that endurance in white-ball cricket is multi-faceted and highly personal, leaving room for individual decisions.
Age, fitness, and hunger as the true metrics
Shastri’s central message was simple: longevity in international cricket hinges on tough questions about motivation, conditioning, and passion for the game. He described Kohli as a master chaser and Rohit as an explosive opener, noting that their current form and energy will determine whether they can sustain a long ODI career. “It depends how hungry you are, how fit you are, whether that passion for the game is still there,” he said. “With their experience, it’ll come in very handy.”
One series at a time, with 2027 on the horizon
While the discussion naturally turns to the looming possibility of another World Cup, Shastri urged patience and pragmatism. “I would say take it one series at a time. It’s still a long way to go,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of current form and fitness ahead of any long-term planning. This stance aligns with a broader sentiment in Indian cricket that decisions about ODI careers should be earned on merit, not manufactured by long-range projections.
Autonomy in retirement decisions mirrors their Test exits
The conversation around Kohli and Rohit’s ODI futures also touched on autonomy. Shastri highlighted that Kohli and Rohit did not retire from Test cricket because they were compelled to, but because they chose to step away. He suggested a similar approach could guide their ODI futures—if they’re not enjoying the format, or if performance dips, the players may themselves decide to move on. This perspective reflects a growing emphasis on player-led career management in modern cricket.
What the BCCI is saying about the Australia series
In parallel, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) moved to dampen speculation that the Australia ODIs could be the duo’s last international assignment. A senior BCCI official, Rajeev Shukla, dismissed those reports, noting that the upcoming three-match ODI series will be evaluated on its own merits. The development is crucial as Kohli and Rohit returned to India colours after stepping away from Test cricket earlier in the year, with their role in the white-ball setup under close scrutiny.
Impact on India’s white-ball transition and the 2027 World Cup plan
The coming ODI series against Australia takes on added significance as India transitions its white-ball line-up in the absence of Kohli and Rohit from Tests. Their performances will be watched not just for immediate results but for signals about their potential contribution to India’s 2027 World Cup strategy. While Shastri’s remarks offer reassurance about their capabilities, the final call rests with the players, the coaching staff, and the selectors, who must balance experience with the evolving needs of India’s ODI team.
As conversations continue, one thing remains clear: Kohli and Rohit carry influence beyond their years. If they stay motivated and physically capable, they could still shape India’s ODI campaigns in the near future, including the World Cup cycle ahead. Until then, teams and fans alike will be monitoring every series for signs of how long these veterans will remain central to India’s limited-overs plans.
