Ravi Shastri: Kohli and Rohit’s Legacy Will Endure Despite ODI Form

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has affirmed that the cricketing legacies of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are secure, irrespective of when they choose to retire from the game. With the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup approaching in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, speculation about their international futures has intensified.

Both Kohli and Rohit have previously retired from Tests and T20Is, focusing entirely on ODIs. Despite a rough start on India’s ongoing tour of Australia, Shastri believes their contributions over more than a decade ensure they remain respected figures in global cricket.

Shastri told ICC, “The contribution is not over two or three years. The contribution is over a decade, decade and a half in the case of Virat. It’s massive, and people don’t forget that. They’ve played against some of the best bowlers that have been part of the game.” He added, “Their legacy will remain. Whether they finish tomorrow or the day after, it doesn’t change how they are remembered.”

The first ODI in Perth saw both men struggle, with Rohit scoring 8 and Kohli getting a duck, as India suffered a heavy defeat. However, Shastri cautioned against rushing to judgment, noting the difficulty of adjusting to Australian conditions with minimal preparation time. “When you come back from a long layoff, you are obviously going to be rusty,” he said. “It’s not easy to land in Australia two days prior and adjust to the bounce and quality fast bowlers.”

Shastri emphasised that performance alone shouldn’t overshadow their experience, skill, and passion. “It’s about how much you enjoy the sport, how much hunger and passion remain. If you tick two out of three, especially enjoyment, you can give them time. They have class and experience; a little time will sort things out.”

India will face Australia in the second ODI on October 23, giving both Kohli and Rohit a chance to regain form ahead of the series.

In conclusion, Shastri’s remarks underscore that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s cricketing legacy is far bigger than a single series or tournament, highlighting their enduring impact on Indian cricket.