Former India coach Ravi Shastri has maintained that the legacy of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will not be tarnished even if they decide to extend their careers. Rohit and Kohli have retired from Tests and T20Is in the last few years and shifted their entire focus to ODIs. The big question at the moment is whether both men will be there for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
While the BCCI remained coy about their participation in the ICC event in a couple of years both men expressed an interest in preparations for an Australian tour. Speaking to ICC, Shastri said that both the men are highly respected and adored across the world and they will not forget the contributions of the star duo.
“The allowance is not more than two or three years. The allowance is more than ten, ten-and-a-half in Virat’s case,” noted Shastri.
“It’s massive and people don’t forget that. And they played against some of the best pitchers that have been a part of the game.”
“It’s special. Their legacy will live on. Whether it ends tomorrow or the day after tomorrow or whenever. That legacy will live on.”
“Don’t rush to judge”
Rohit and Kohli’s return to international cricket did not go as planned both men fell in the first ODI against Australia in Perth. Rohit scored 8 while Kohli scored a duck as India were soundly beaten. Despite this, Shastri said he would not rush to judge the two men just yet.
The former India coach said it is not easy for any player to come to Australia a few days before a series and adapt to the conditions quickly.
“When you come back from a long layoff, you’re obviously going to be rusty,” Shastri noted.
“It’s not easy for any overseas team to land in Australia, say, two days before the Perth game and adapt to those conditions immediately, especially when you have the extra bounce and against quality fast bowlers.”
“But I think only time will tell. They’ll go to Adelaide, have some time off to hit the nets, clear their minds and get back into action.”
“So I’m not in a rush to judge, but when you come back at that age, after a while, it’s about how much you enjoy the sport and how much hunger and passion you have to play the game.
“So if you tick the boxes on two of those three, especially the part that you enjoy, then you can give them both time because they have class, they have experience, and a little time will work things out. But I’d rather wait than jump in and judge right away.”
India will play the second ODI against Australia on October 23.
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Published on:
October 21, 2025
