Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia will play a defining role in determining the future of senior pros Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India’s 50-over setup. Shastri stated that both players must showcase form, hunger, and fitness during the series, which could serve as a benchmark for their selection in future ODIs — including the 2027 World Cup.
Ever since the BCCI announced India’s ODI squad and removed Rohit as captain, speculation has been rife about the long-term plans involving the veteran duo. Shastri acknowledged that while their legacy remains intact, selection for 2027 will depend on performances in series like this one.
“That’s exactly why they’re part of this ODI series against Australia,” Ravi Shastri said during the Kayo Sport’s Summer of Cricket launch in Sydney. “It depends on their fitness, hunger, and form. This series is very important to see where they stand. They’ll know by the end of it how they feel — it’s their call after that.”
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Drawing a parallel with Australian star Steve Smith, who retired from ODIs earlier this year, Shastri said that players of such stature need to make individual calls about their future, depending on how their body and mind respond to the game’s demands.
Both Rohit and Kohli have already retired from T20Is and Tests, focusing now on ODIs. They are part of India’s 15-man squad for the ODI series in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney on October 19, 23, and 25, led by new full-time captain Shubman Gill.
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Praising India’s next generation, Shastri highlighted the emergence of young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, and Gill himself. “Tilak’s innings in the Asia Cup final was outstanding. India’s white-ball unit looks very strong, especially with all-rounders like Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel,” Ravi Shastri added, emphasising India’s growing dominance in limited-overs cricket.
