Former India coach Ravi Shastri has launched a powerful defense of cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, urging critics to cease their commentary and respect the players’ stature. As India gears up for the 2027 ODI World Cup, questions have surfaced regarding the veteran duo’s future roles. Shastri, who enjoyed a close working relationship with both during his coaching tenure, issued a stark warning: critics should be careful not to provoke players of this caliber.
Shastri emphasized that Kohli and Rohit remain exceptional talents in white-ball cricket and deserve significant respect. “Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are ODI giants. You don’t mess around with players of that stature,” he stated unequivocally. His firm stance was further broadcast through a widely shared video clip.
His comments emerge amid ongoing debates within the cricketing world about how Kohli and Rohit fit into the team’s future plans post-Test and ODI retirements. Shastri alluded to certain individuals attempting to belittle the legacy of these two modern-day greats. He confidently predicted that such negative talk would cease instantly if Kohli and Rohit decided to reassert their dominance on the field. “If these two switch on properly, hit the right buttons, all the ones messing around will disappear from the scene real quick. Aise players ke saath aap masti mat karo yaar,” Shastri asserted.
This strong endorsement from Shastri highlights his unwavering faith in Rohit and Kohli’s enduring impact on Indian cricket. He believes their experience and unparalleled ability to win matches are critical assets as India sets its sights on the 2027 ODI World Cup.