'Still a long way to go,' - Ravi Shastri on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's presence in ODI World Cup 2027

Overview

• Ravi Shastri claimed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's future in India's ODI team depends on a lot of factors
• The former Indian Coach felt the need for the veterans to take one series at a time and not think too far ahead
• Rohit and Virat have retired from Tests and T20Is and haven't played competitive cricket since the IPL 2025

Ravi Shastri recently opened up on the chances of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma featuring in India's squad till the ODI World Cup 2027. The former Indian coach gave a complicated reply, claiming that it depends on a lot of factors like their hunger to perform, passion to play, and so on. He felt only time would tell if they get to the point where they can't be dropped from the team.

"It depends how hungry you are, how fit you are, whether that passion for the game is still there. With their experience, it’ll come in very handy. I would say take it one series at a time. It’s still a long way to go," said Ravi Shastri in an interview with Fox Cricket.

Also Read: 3 Indian players returning to international cricket during Australia tour

Both Virat and Rohit last played for India in the Champions Trophy 2025, which they won. They were later a part of the IPL 2025, which was the last competitive series they played. Since then, Virat and Rohit have been out of action, as they have retired from Tests and T20Is.

Ravi Shastri gives forth scenario of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from ODIs themselves

India's upcoming aasignment in ODIs is against Australia. Speaking about the upcoming series, Shastri wished the duo luck to perform well against Australia. He felt the need for the duo to enjoy it and be in a good form. He felt not doing so could lead to them retiring themselves before the ODI World Cup 2027.

Also Check: Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, and Mitchell Marsh pick their India-Australia-England combined ODI XI

"Hopefully, if they have a good one here, that should keep them in a good state of mind, thinking of South Africa. If they’re not enjoying it, if the form is not good, they might pull the plug themselves," Shastri added in his statement.