New Delhi: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has fired a fresh and strongly worded message to the BCCI, cautioning the board against provoking senior stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma amid ongoing tensions about their roles and future in Indian cricket.
Shastri, known for his sharp wit and commanding personality both as a commentator and coach, issued the warning during a teaser clip of his interview with Prabhat Khabar. Without naming anyone directly, Shastri made it abundantly clear that any attempt to undermine Kohli and Rohit could backfire spectacularly.
“Don’t mess with them” — Shastri’s blunt message
Calling the duo “white-ball giants,” Shastri said:
“In dono ka dimaag theek ho gaya na… sab aaju-baaju nikal jayenge. Aise players ke saath masti mat karo (If their minds click and the right switch turns on, everyone will run for cover. Don’t needle players of their stature).”
When asked who exactly is trying to “mess around” with Kohli and Rohit, Shastri replied:
“The ones who want to.”
This direct comment hints at an undercurrent of friction between senior players and decision-makers within Indian cricket.
Shastri shifts tone on Kohli–Rohit future
Earlier, Shastri had maintained a more cautious stance, suggesting that Kohli and Rohit’s participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup would depend on fitness and form. But this new statement marks a notable shift, with Shastri firmly backing the senior duo.
Praising their unmatched experience, he added:
“You can’t buy experience. One is a master chaser, the other has three ODI double centuries.”
Background: Growing tension within Indian cricket setup
The Kohli–Rohit–BCCI dynamic has remained in headlines for months, especially with reported friction involving:
- Head coach Gautam Gambhir
- Chief selector Ajit Agarkar
Reports claim discussions between Rohit and Agarkar in Australia “hit a dead end,” while recent visuals showing a cold exchange between Kohli and Gambhir after the Ranchi ODI further fueled speculation.
Meanwhile, Kohli’s decision to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy aligns with BCCI’s insistence that both stalwarts play domestic cricket if they want to remain in ODI contention and stay on track for 2027 World Cup selection.
As debates intensify, Shastri’s fiery remarks have reignited discussions about the treatment of India’s two most decorated modern-era players.
