Former India coach Ravi Shastri has issued a strong defense of veteran cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, warning critics against questioning their caliber. Amidst ongoing discussions about their future roles leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup, Shastri emphasized that players of their stature should not be undermined. He highlighted his close working relationship with both players during his tenure and asserted that any individuals attempting to create controversy around them would quickly become irrelevant if Kohli and Rohit decided to perform at their peak.
Shastri firmly stated that Kohli and Rohit are still formidable forces in white-ball cricket and deserve utmost respect. “Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are ODI giants. You don’t mess around with players of that stature,” he commented. A widely shared video clip further underscored his point, with Shastri quoted as saying, “Rohit and Virat are white-ball giants. Don’t mess with players like them.”
His comments come at a time when debates about the careers of these two cricketing legends continue following their respective retirements from Test and ODI cricket. Shastri hinted that certain voices have been attempting to diminish their legacies. He cautioned that such criticisms would dissipate instantly if Kohli and Rohit decided to unleash their full competitive potential. “Aise players ke saath aap masti mat karo yaar,” Shastri asserted, adding that if they “switch on properly” and “hit the right buttons,” those undermining them would “disappear from the scene real quick.”
Shastri’s passionate defense reflects his enduring confidence in Rohit and Kohli’s vital contributions to India’s white-ball strategies. His message reinforces their invaluable experience and match-winning capabilities, positioning them as crucial assets for India’s campaign towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.