Ravi Shastri: Those messing with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli 'will disappear from the scene real quick'

India’s former cricketer Ravi Shastri has never been one to sugar-coat his opinions, and his latest remarks on the scrutiny surrounding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were no different. In a strong statement, the former India head coach warned critics, selectors and other trolls to stop going after Rohit and Kohli.

According to Shastri, questioning the roles or futures of players who have carried Indian cricket for over a decade is not only unnecessary but also disrespectful. His message was simple: You don’t interfere with giants unless you’re prepared for the consequences.

Shastri’s defence comes at a time when conversations about India’s transition, workload management and long-term planning have intensified. With younger players breaking into the white-ball setup, discussions have begun on whether the team must slowly move on from its senior-most batters. Moreover, if we look at Kohli and Rohit, they aren’t just senior players; they are the spine of India’s limited-overs cricket.

"Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are ODI giants. You don't mess around with players of that stature. Some people are doing it. That's all I will say. And if these two switch on properly, hit the right buttons, all the ones messing around will disappear from the scene real quick," Shastri said on Prabhat Khabar.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s recent form speaks louder than debates

Ravi Shastri’s comments gain more weight when viewed alongside Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s recent performances. Rohit has looked rejuvenated in the Australia and South Africa series, scoring freely, timing the ball crisply, and showing the same clarity of intent that once made him the most feared opener in white-ball cricket. Rohit will also play in the knockouts of the SMAT 2025.

Kohli, meanwhile, continues to produce runs with remarkable consistency, including another ODI century recently, even though the match ended in defeat. His hunger, fitness and chase-mastery skills show no signs of fading. Both senior batters have adapted well to evolving team demands, shifting gears when required and anchoring innings when the situation demands stability. He scored two consecutive tons in the ongoing South Africa tour, giving back to the trollers really well.

Where to watch the India vs South Africa match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs South Africa 3rd ODI match on December 6 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: India’s WTC campaign suffers blow after embarrasing defeat vs SA; slips from third position