As India gear up to take on Australia in the upcoming three-match ODI series starting October 19, the spotlight will undoubtedly fall on two of India's most iconic figures, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are returning to the national side for the first time since the Champions Trophy held earlier this year. The Indian squad travelling to Australia will be led by Shubman Gill, who continues to cement his place in the team.
But even as fresh faces rise, the presence of Kohli and Rohit adds significant weight to the Indian lineup. Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have stepped back from the Test and T20Is, and the only format they are active in is ODIs. The series is incredibly crucial for both the stars as India build up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. Giving his advice, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri wants both players to take one series at a time.
“I also feel they feel they have got enough cricket in them. You know, it depends on how hungry you are, how fit you are, and 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 South Africa. Hopefully if they have a good one here, that should keep them in good state of mind, thinking of South Africa," Shastri said on Fox Sports.
Shastri said that Rohit and Kohli were not asked to retire from Tests; they went on their own. And he also shared his thoughts on Kohli and Rohit's retirement from ODIs, saying the duo might decide to call time on their ODI careers if they feel the time is right.
"You could see how they left the T20 format when India won the T20 World Cup. Three of them went, (Ravindra) Jadeja, (Virat) Kohli and Rohit (Sharma). Virat retired from Test Cricket, as did Rohit. They were not asked to retire. They went on their own. I would think it’s similar. If they’re not enjoying it, if the form is not good, you never know. They might pull the plug themselves."