Kohli & Rohit—India’s batting stalwarts—recently shared a heartfelt conversation with former head coach Ravi Shastri, revealing the mindset, resilience, and camaraderie that continue to drive them on the cricket field. In a rare, candid chat, Shastri affectionately dubbed the duo “two old dogs,” praising their ability to deliver when it matters most.
Table of Contents
- The Heart-to-Heart Chat
- Why Shastri Called Them ‘Old Dogs’
- Their Unforgettable Australia Legacy
- The Secret Behind Their Big Stands
- What’s Next for Kohli & Rohit?
- Sources
The Heart-to-Heart Chat
Following a match-winning partnership that turned the tide in India’s favor, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma sat down with Ravi Shastri for an off-camera, unfiltered discussion. Far from the usual press conference clichés, this talk was raw, reflective, and deeply personal.
Both players opened up about how they still find joy in the game—even after decades at the top. “We laugh, we fight, we push each other—but at the end of the day, we love this sport,” Rohit said with a smile. Kohli added, “It’s not about age. It’s about hunger.”
Why Shastri Called Them ‘Old Dogs’
Ravi Shastri didn’t mean disrespect with the nickname. In fact, it was a term of endearment rooted in admiration. “These two old dogs know the game inside out,” Shastri said. “They’ve seen everything—pressure, failure, glory—and yet they keep coming back, hungrier than ever.”
He highlighted their recent partnership as proof that experience, when paired with mutual trust, can still dominate modern cricket’s fast-paced landscape. “In today’s game, partnerships like that are rare. But Kohli & Rohit? They make it look easy because they’ve done it a hundred times before.”
Their Unforgettable Australia Legacy
Shastri specifically recalled their historic performances during India’s 2018–19 and 2020–21 tours of Australia—landmark series that redefined Indian cricket overseas.
- 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Rohit’s consistent starts and Kohli’s captaincy led India to its first-ever Test series win on Australian soil.
- 2020–21 Gabba Miracle: Though neither scored a century in the final Test, their earlier contributions laid the foundation for one of India’s greatest comebacks.
“What they built in Australia wasn’t just runs—it was belief,” Shastri noted. “They showed the next generation that you can win anywhere, against anyone.”
The Secret Behind Their Big Stands
Despite different batting styles—Kohli’s intensity versus Rohit’s elegance—their synergy is undeniable. According to Shastri, the key lies in communication.
“They talk between overs. Not just about field placements, but about mindset. ‘Are you okay?’ ‘Need a single?’ ‘Let’s take this over together.’ That’s partnership,” Shastri explained.
This emotional and tactical alignment allows them to absorb pressure and accelerate when needed—a rare blend in modern cricket.
What’s Next for Kohli & Rohit?
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the T20 World Cup on the horizon, both players have hinted at continuing their international journey—at least through 2025. Fans wonder how long this era will last, but Shastri believes their impact will endure far beyond their final innings.
“Legends aren’t just made by stats,” he said. “They’re made by moments like this—where two old dogs remind everyone why they fell in love with cricket in the first place.”
Sources
- Times of India – Kohli, Rohit, Shastri and a Chat Straight from the Heart
- BCCI Official Archives – India’s Australia Tours (2018–2021)
- ICC Player Profiles: [INTERNAL_LINK:Virat Kohli], [INTERNAL_LINK:Rohit Sharma]