Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has finally broken his silence on the swirling retirement rumors surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—and his message is clear: don’t write them off just yet. In a candid new statement, Shastri suggested that both modern greats still have “enough cricket in them” to potentially feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup, provided their hunger and fitness hold up .
With speculation running rampant that the ongoing ODI series against Australia could mark the end of their 50-over careers, Shastri dismissed the noise, emphasizing that such decisions will ultimately rest with the players themselves—just as they did with their Test retirements.
Shastri’s Take: Hunger and Fitness Are Key
Speaking to reporters ahead of India’s third ODI against Australia, Shastri acknowledged the physical and mental demands of modern cricket but refused to rule out a longer ODI runway for the two veterans.
“They’ve got enough cricket in them. The question is not about ability—it’s about desire and whether they feel they can maintain the standards they’ve set for themselves,” Shastri said .
He pointed to their recent performances as proof of their enduring class. Rohit Sharma, despite stepping down as full-time ODI captain, remains a destructive opener, while Virat Kohli continues to anchor the innings with trademark intensity—even at 36.
BCCI Shuts Down Retirement Speculation
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also moved swiftly to quash rumors that the Australia series is a farewell tour. Sources within the board confirmed there’s “no official plan” for either player to retire post-series, calling the chatter “purely media-driven” .
This aligns with Shastri’s view that Kohli and Rohit will make their own calls—on their own terms—without external pressure or ceremonial send-offs.
ODI Career Snapshot: Kohli vs. Rohit
| Player | ODI Matches | Runs | Average | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 292+ | 13,800+ | 57.0+ | 50+ |
| Rohit Sharma | 250+ | 10,700+ | 49.0+ | 31+ |
Both remain among the most prolific run-scorers in ODI history—and Kohli is still chasing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries, having recently equaled it.
What About the 2027 World Cup?
The next ODI World Cup will be held in South Africa in 2027. By then, Kohli will be 38 and Rohit 40. While that may seem advanced, Shastri noted that modern training, recovery, and workload management have extended careers significantly.
“Look at MS Dhoni—he played till 38 in ODIs and was still impactful,” Shastri reminded. “If they feel they can contribute meaningfully, why not?”
He also hinted that their roles might evolve—perhaps as finishers, mentors, or part-time players in bilateral series—while staying available for major tournaments.
Fans React: Hope Meets Realism
On social media, fans are split. Many hope to see the duo lift the 2027 trophy together, while others believe it’s time to pass the baton to the next generation—Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rajat Patidar.
But as Shastri wisely put it: “When legends like this decide to walk away, you’ll know. Until then, never underestimate their will to compete.”