“When Did They Ever Go?”: Furious Ravi Shastri On Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma’s Comeback Debates

Former Indian coach and star batter Ravi Shastri recently opened up about the debates regarding the comeback of the veteran stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the ODI series against West Indies. He clearly stated that the discussion regarding Kohli and Rohit’s comeback pisses him off as he questioned where and when they ever went so that they have to come back. He added the fact that the upcoming World Cup will probably be the last world cup for these two and also noted that they have been role models for the young players who are coming up.

Speaking with renowned anchor Anant Tyagi ahead of the first ODI between India and West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram, Shastri opined about the debates regarding the comeback of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. “Anant, you know what pisses me off? Is uhhh... And I am being direct here, is 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? If people want to take them out, they have got to watch their chairs. They might have to disappear. Don't worry about these two. They will 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,” he said.

“You know, in all probability, it will be the last World Cup they will play in. And, you know, they have been giants of the white ball game. You know, make no mistake about it. They have entertained people all over the world. They have been great role models for the young players coming through. And people aspire, people dream, you know they want to emulate great players or you know of the past. Then Virat and Rohit are one of them,” Shastri added.

Shastri’s International Career

Ravi Shastri enjoyed a highly successful 11-year international cricket career for India between 1981 and 1992, transitioning from a specialist number 10 left-arm spinner into an opening batter. Known for his trademark "chapati stroke" (a defensive flick) and tactics, Shastri was a key pillar of Indian cricket during the 1980s. Over his career, Shastri achieved the rare double of scoring over 3,000 runs and taking over 100 wickets in both Test and ODI formats. He remains one of the few players globally to have batted in every position from No. 1 to No. 10 in international cricket.

Shastri was an integral squad member of the historic Indian team that lifted the 1983 Cricket World Cup at Lord's, contributing with both bat and ball in the group stages. His absolute crowning glory came during the 1985 World Championship of Cricket in Australia. Shastri played a major role in India's victory by scoring 182 runs and taking 8 wickets across 5 matches. He was named the Player of the Tournament and famously won an Audi 100 car, which he drove around the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Shastri saved some of his best batting performances for tough overseas tours.

Click here to read article