Ravi Shastri Indirectly Slams Ajit Agarkar For Targeting Kohli-Rohit (Source: AFP)For Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the 2027 ODI World Cup could be the final chapter of their remarkable international careers. Both players have already retired from the Test and T20I formats and now remain focused on the 50-over game.The debate, however, has never been only about their past contribution to the Indian cricket. Questions have been raised about their age, fitness, workload and ability to remain part of India's plans until the tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.Both players will still need to perform if they are to make the final squad, and recently Virat Kohli unleashed his vintage mode. In the IND vs WI 1st ODI, the star player made 139 runs off just 88 balls at a strike rate of 157.95 and also completed 15,000 ODI runs.Recently, former India head coach Ravi Shastri came in direct support of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and took an indirect dig at Ajit Agarkar.Also Read: Upon The Sacred Soil Of God’s Own Country, The King Conquers The Colossus Of 15,000Ravi Shastri's Strong Words Put Spotlight Back On Kohli And RohitSpeaking on Star Sports ahead of India's ODI against the West Indies, Ravi Shastri was asked about the possibility of Virat Kohli and Rohit being available for the 2027 World Cup.The former India coach responded strongly to the repeated discussion about the pair making a 'return'. According to Shastri, there was no real reason to describe their presence as a comeback because neither player had actually disappeared from the ODI setup.“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?".Ravi Shastri then made a pointed remark that quickly became the centre of attention.Also Read: Innings Taken By Virat Kohli For Every 1000 Runs Scored In ODIsThe 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, Ravi Shastri said.Shastri goes hard reminding Rohit-Kohli's legacy"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."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.” Ravi Shastri added.The comment has been widely seen as a message to those who have repeatedly questioned Kohli- Rohit’s place in the ODI team. Shastri did not directly name Ajit Agarkar, but the timing has brought the Agarkar’s earlier comments about the duo back into focus.Agarkar's Old 'non-committal' Remark On RO-KOThe debate surrounding the two players goes back to comments made by Ajit Agarkar in October 2025. When asked about their World Cup plans, the then chief selector said both Kohli and Rohit were 'non-committal' about playing in the 2027 tournament.Taking a look at Rohit Sharma's performance in 2026. The stylish opener has played in 10 matches and scored 411 runs at an average of 41.10 and a strike rate of 98.56, with one century against England.On the other hand, Virat Kohli has played in 7 matches and made 523 runs at an average of 87.17 and a strike rate of 116.74, with two centuries and three 50s.Also Read: BPL Shut Down As Bangladesh Cricket Board Announces D3 Trophy With 6 Icon Players
