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Ravi Shastri Hails Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma As Icons, Shares Honest Take On Their ODI Future
By CricShots - Oct 15, 2025 2:49 pm
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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of the biggest icons in Indian cricket, were pivotal in guiding India to a glorious phase that saw the team lift both the T20 World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy within a single year. Their leadership, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure helped end India’s long ICC title drought.

Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

However, following their retirement from Test cricket, discussions about their future in ODIs have gained momentum. With the next ODI World Cup scheduled for 2027, questions are being raised about whether the legendary duo will continue to feature in India’s long-term plans.

The Indian team management has already started its transition across formats, appointing Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain. This move reflects a forward-looking approach that aims to groom young leaders while still valuing experience.

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Former India head coach Ravi Shastri weighed in on the matter, saying that Rohit and Kohli’s ODI future depends on their hunger, fitness, and form. “It depends how hungry you are, how fit you are, and whether that passion for the game is still there. With their experience, it’ll come in very handy,” Shastri said, suggesting that both veterans should take their careers “one series at a time.”

Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri

Both Rohit and Kohli are set to return to action in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia after a long break from competitive cricket. Shastri believes this tour could be crucial in shaping their future.

“If they have a good one here, it should keep them in a good frame of mind. But if the form isn’t there or they’re not enjoying it, they might pull the plug themselves,” he added.

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Meanwhile, head coach Gautam Gambhir remains focused on the present, while BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla dismissed retirement talks, calling the duo “great batsmen” who will decide their own future.