The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced Shubman Gill as India's next ODI captain, which has been received with mixed reviews from fans and cricket pundits. At the same time, the future of veteran players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in international cricket is still being debated, as Ravi Shastri spoke on the duo to the Australian media. The two retired from T20Is in 2024 and concluded their Test careers earlier this year. Both players will continue to be significant figures for India despite their retirements from longer formats; Rohit recently led the squad to victory in the Champions Trophy, while Kohli was a key member of that squad as well.

Fitness and form to decide Kohli and Rohit’s future, says Ravi Shastri

Former India player and coach Ravi Shastri believes this series against Australia will give both Kohli and Rohit a clearer idea of whether they want to continue competing at the international level. With the 2027 ODI World Cup just two years away, age and fitness are significant considerations for the seasoned players. “That’s why they’re here, playing the ODI series against Australia. They’re part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger, and, of course, form. I think this series is very important to see how they go. They themselves will know by the end of this series how they feel, and then it’s their call,” Shastri said while speaking to reporters in Sydney.

Shastri also highlighted the value of experience in high-pressure matches, citing India’s performance in the Champions Trophy as an example. “There’s no substitute for experience when it comes to the big games. Come the big games, and the big boys step up,” he added.

Rohit Sharma’s conditioning has been in the conversation for some years now, and having seen him in Australia recently, one sees that he is in terrific shape. Only a few days back at the CEAT Cricket Awards, Rohit knocked the viewers' socks off, with a much leaner stature, suggesting he is good to go in Australia. As will both local greats, who will want to marry that experience with form and fitness, to support India through another challenging series Down Under.

India's white-ball squad, featuring Shubman Gill at the helm, will want to make a strong statement on the Australian tour, while keeping the other veterans potential World Cup hopes in mind.