Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s futures will be clear by the conclusion of the forthcoming ODI series against Australia, according to a decisive ruling by former Indian coach Ravi Shastri. Since the pair announced their retirement from Test cricket in May, there has been much debate over their future in international cricket.
There has been a lot of conjecture over Kohli and Rohit’s long-term ambitions, especially their involvement in the 2027 ODI World Cup, as they haven’t played any professional cricket since. In a recent statement, BCCI head of selectors Ajit Agarkar added to the uncertainty by saying that both players are still unsure of their futures and that a final decision will be made when the time is right.
“They are here to play Australia in the ODI series for that reason. They are a component. Their hunger, level of fitness, and, of course, form all play a part. Therefore, I believe that this series is crucial to watch how they develop. By the end of the series, kids will be able to ask themselves how they feel. From an Australian perspective, it’s the same with Steve Smith, who announced his retirement from ODIs in March.
You still need to be hungry and at that age, you must like it. When it comes to the major games, however, experience is invaluable, as demonstrated by the Champions Trophy. Shastri stated at the inauguration of Kayo Sports’ Summer of Cricket that “when the big games come, the big boys step up,” as reported by Hindustan Times.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are aware that these young people are pressuring them, Shastri told cricket.com.au.
Many young people have stood up and given outstanding performances while India goes through a transformative period. The team won the Asia Cup 2025 after drawing the Test series 2-2 in England to win the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in 2025. Senior players would be inspired by the steady play of young players like Tilak Varma, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Abhishek Sharma, Shastri recognised.
“Varma’s performance in that Asia Cup final was outstanding. Because playing that way under duress was impressive. Tilak Varma, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are some of the talented young players. Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya are all all-rounders and have a lot of solid youthful potential, making it a formidable white-ball team. In white ball compared to red ball, India is far more formidable.
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