TOP STORIES
"They were not asked to retire": Ravi Shastri on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's retirement from Tests

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."
Tags
More News

Women’s ODI World Cup: Alyssa Healy out of Australia's clash with England
Australia women have been dealt a crushing blow ahead of their crucial Women’s ODI World Cup match against arch-rivals England on Wednesday. Captain Alyssa Healy has been ruled out of the match after suffering a minor calf strain during a training session on Saturday, Cricket Australia confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday.
This i...

Shaheen Afridi appointed Pakistan's new ODI captain, replaces Mohammad Rizwan
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new captain of Pakistan’s ODI team, replacing Mohammad Rizwan. The announcement came shortly after the conclusion of the first day of the ongoing second Test match between Pakistan and South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Notably, both Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi are featuring in the...

"Avoid overthinking": Matthew Hayden advises Virat Kohli following Perth disappointment
In the wake of India's first ODI against Australia in Perth on Sunday, legendary Australian batter Matthew Hayden has offered some candid advice to Indian superstar Virat Kohli, urging him to "avoid overthinking" following a rare failure with the bat.
Kohli, making his return to the ODI format after a seven-month break — his last appearance in the format ...

New Zealand confirm squad for England ODIs, Kane Williamson returns
New Zealand have unveiled their squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, set to begin on October 26 at Bay Oval, Tauranga. The highlight of the announcement is the return of veteran batter Kane Williamson, who is set to make his comeback to international cricket following a brief medical absence. Nathan Smith has also been...

Captain Marsh stars as Australia beat India in rain-hit first ODI in Perth
Australia completely outplayed India in a rain-marred opening ODI at Optus Stadium on Sunday, claiming a comfortable seven-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The match was disrupted by four separate rain interruptions, leading the match officials to reduce it to 26 overs per side. Meanwhile, India, after being put into bat, could only ...