Shastri’s Verdict: Rohit & Virat’s Legacy Beyond a Single Fail
The cricketing world held its breath as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli made their much-anticipated return to the Indian blues in Perth. Yet, their comeback ODI against Australia was a quiet one, leaving fans and pundits alike with a million questions. In the face of this underwhelming start, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has delivered a powerful and reassuring message about the duo’s enduring legacy.
A Quiet Return in Perth
After stepping away from Test and T20I cricket, both Sharma and Kohli were expected to light up the ODI series in Australia. However, their first outing in Perth was a stark contrast to their usual explosive brilliance. The pair failed to make a significant impact with the bat, a performance that some might have been quick to label as a sign of decline.
Ravi Shastri’s Massive Endorsement
Shastri, however, is having none of it. He firmly believes that the immense contributions of Rohit and Virat over more than a decade cannot be overshadowed by a single off-day. “The contribution is not…” he began, emphasizing that their legacies are already cemented in cricketing history .
“When you come back from a long layoff, you are obviously going to be rusty,” Shastri explained, offering a pragmatic view of their performance . He cautioned against making any concrete judgments based on just one game, reminding everyone of the sheer class and experience the two veterans bring to the table .
Looking Ahead to 2027
The conversation inevitably turns to the 2027 ODI World Cup. While their immediate form is a topic of discussion, Shastri, along with Australian legend Ricky Ponting, has advised against writing them off for the mega event just yet . Their future, Shastri notes, will ultimately depend on three key factors: form, fitness, and, most importantly, their hunger to continue playing at the highest level .
The Unshakeable Legacy
Shastri’s core argument is simple and powerful: a player’s legacy is built over a career, not a single innings. Rohit Sharma, the ‘Hitman’ with a record number of ODI double-centuries, and Virat Kohli, the modern-day run-machine with over 13,000 ODI runs, have already achieved what most cricketers can only dream of.
“They’ve got class,” Shastri stated confidently, backing them to find their rhythm as the series progresses . Their ability to chase down targets and dominate bowling attacks from the word go has defined an era of Indian cricket. A quiet game in Perth is merely a blip, not a full stop.
Table: A Glimpse of Their ODI Dominance
| Player | ODI Runs | Centuries | Key Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 13,848+ | 50+ | Master Chaser |
| Rohit Sharma | 10,700+ | 31+ | Explosive Opener |
As Shastri himself put it, “(Virat Kohli is) a master chaser, and Rohit is explosive at the top. They feel they’ve got enough cricket in them” . This self-belief, combined with their proven track record, is what makes their potential journey to the 2027 World Cup a compelling narrative to watch.
Sources
- Times of India: ‘The contribution is not … ‘: Shastri’s massive comment on Rohit and Virat
- Ravi Shastri comments from various reports