“Virat Kohli Will Play Four-Five More Years”: Ravi Shastri Dismisses Retirement Rumors
Amid rumors of Virat Kohli‘s retirement from Test cricket, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has quashed them. He confidently predicts the batting icon has years of cricket left in him.
Kohli’s recent batting struggles, including a failure in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, have fueled reports. They say the fifth Test might end his Test career. However, Shastri had a different view in a chat with Mark Nicholas. He said Kohli’s career is far from over.
Ravi Shastri on Virat Kohli’s Future
When asked about Kohli’s form and future, Shastri was optimistic about the 35-year-old’s longevity.
“I don’t think Virat Kohli is retiring. He will be around for four-five years. There is a lot of cricket left in him,” Ravi Shastri said.
Kohli, however, has had a challenging run in the ongoing series. His dismissal in the first innings of the fourth Test—a loose shot at a wide delivery off Mitchell Starc, caught by Usman Khawaja in the slip cordon—added to his struggles.The former captain has one century in recent months. His other innings were inconsistent.
Shastri Hints at Rohit Sharma’s Decline
Shastri backed Kohli to extend his career. But, he felt Rohit Sharma’s time at the top might be ending.
“He movement has become slow and he is coming late on the ball. It is up to him to decide after the end of the series in Australia,” he added.
Rohit’s performance in Australia has been underwhelming. The Indian skipper has struggled to make an impact. He has consistently failed to provide starts at the top of the order. This raises questions about his place in the Test side going forward.
What’s Next for Kohli and Rohit?
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy nears its end, Kohli and Rohit face scrutiny for their performances. Kohli has Shastri’s backing to continue for “four-five years.” But, he may face a career-defining choice at the end of the series in Australia.
The fifth Test could be a turning point for both stalwarts. It will decide their futures in Test cricket.
