IND vs AUS: “Whether they finish tomorrow or…”- Ravi Shastri’s no nonsense take Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future after failure in Perth ODI

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to make a mark in the Perth ODI against Australia.

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri shared his take on the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in international cricket. Not only this, he also gave his opinion on whether the duo will be there for ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 or not. 

The Indian Cricket Team are currently locking horns with the Australian Cricket Team in a three-match ODI series. The first game took place at the Optus Stadium in Perth on October 19 and it saw return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the Indian side after long gap of seven months. 

Rohit and Kohli, who are only active in ODIs now, didn’t have a great outing on their return as both perished early. While the opening batter score just eight runs, Kohli bagged a 8-ball duck as India lost the opening encounter. 

Ever since Rohit has been sacked as the ODI captain, there have been lot of speculations about the future of both batting legends. Although they have expressed their desire to win ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, things look tough for them, especially with them playing only ODIs.

Ravi Shastri talked about the return of Rohit and Kohli, saying that it was always going to be difficult for them to perform in Perth, especially after a long break. However, he was quick to add that everything will depend on how hungry they are. Speaking to ICC, he said: 

“When you come back from a long layoff, you are obviously going to be rusty. It’s not easy for any overseas team to land in Australia, say, two days prior to a game in Perth and adjust to those conditions straight away, especially when you have that extra bounce and against quality fast bowlers.

“But I think only time will tell. They’ll go to Adelaide, they have some time off to get into the nets, get their minds sorted and get back into action. So I’m in no hurry to judge, but it’s when you come back at that age, after some time, it’s about how much you’re enjoying the sport and how much hunger is there and passion is left in you to play the game.”

Whether they finish tomorrow or they finish the day after or whenever, that  legacy will remain – Ravi Shastri on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli 

Ravi Shastri added that one shouldn’t judge Rohit and Virat based on one innings, highlighting that they have made massive contributions over the last decade. He elaborated: 

“So if you tick the boxes in two out of those three, especially the enjoyment part of it, then you can give them both time because they’ve got class, they’ve got experience and a little bit of time will sort things out. But I’d rather wait than jump and judge immediately.”

“The contribution is not over two or three years. The contribution is over a decade, decade and a half in the case of Virat.  It’s massive and people don’t forget that. And they’ve played against some of the best bowlers that have been part of the game. It’s special. Their legacy will remain. Whether they finish tomorrow or they finish the day after or whenever. That legacy will remain.”

Rohit and Virat Kohli will now be keen to make a strong comeback in the second match, which will be played on October 23 in Adelaide. 

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