Former India captain Ravi Shastri has fumed at the continual discussion surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma over their participation in the 2027 World Cup, such as whether they can go the distance. Former India coach Shastri also appears to be taking a dig at chief selector Ajit Agarkar, whose stint is ending early next month, and he is reportedly not willing to get another, upset that the BCCI has backed Rohit for the 2027 World Cup, totally contrary to his plans. Renowned commentator, Shastri, appears to be saying that Agarkar, out to hunt down Rohit, has ended up losing his chair.
At Star Sports, ahead of the first one-day against the West Indies in Kerala on Sunday, when Shastri was asked if he was the coach of the Indian team for the 2027 World Cup and Rohit and Virat were back as resources, how he would take the news, how excited he would be, the 64-year-old launched into an emotional outburst.
“You know what pisses me off? I'm being direct. It's this topic of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. You know that they are back. When did they ever go? And where did they go that they have to be back? The people want to take them out; they've got to watch their chairs. They might have to disappear. Don't worry about these two. They'll be there, they will play.
"And God willing, they do well today. I mean, it's a tribute to what they've done over the last decade and a half. You know, the legacy that they're going to leave behind, you know, in all probability, it will be the last World Cup they'll play.
{{/usCountry}}"And God willing, they do well today. I mean, it's a tribute to what they've done over the last decade and a half. You know, the legacy that they're going to leave behind, you know, in all probability, it will be the last World Cup they'll play.
{{/usCountry}}"And, you know, they have been giants of the white-ball game. You know, make no mistake about it. They have entertained all over the world. They've been great role models for the young players coming through. And people aspire, people dream. They want to emulate great players of the past. Virat and Rohit are among them.”
The July storm!
Fans would remember that in July, ahead of the 3rd ODI against England at Lord’s, there was a media report that screamed that the upcoming game was going to be Rohit’s last as the BCCI selection committee had told him they were moving on from him as far as the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia was concerned. All hell broke loose afterwards. Anyway, Rohit made 138 in that game and has since come in heavy praise from BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia a couple of times. Apparently, this upset Agarkar, and he decided to move on from the role.
Clearly, Shastri thinks differently from Agarkar. He has coached these two players and tasted big successes with them, so of course, he has a special relationship with them. Whether he is right or wrong, decide for yourself.