'If people want them out, they've got to watch their chairs'- Shastri’s warning to individuals targeting Rohit and Kohli

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are featuring in the ongoing 3-ODI series between India and West Indies.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has given a stern warning to detractors of veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. His words came as India took on the West Indies in the first ODI of the three-match series, which began on September 27, 2026, at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.

Since both ex-Indian captains wish to make it to the ICC ODI World Cup 2027, Shastri says that there is no point in discussing their comeback, as they were never out of action.

Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have already retired from Test and T20I formats and now play just the ODI format, with an eye to play in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. Post-England tour, there is a lot of talk about both Kohli's and Rohit’s chances of playing in the ICC event and their place in the Indian squad.

But now, the duo is back into action for the ongoing three-match ODI series, with Kohli already saying that the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 will mark his last big tournament. Talking about Rohit, his prospects also seem good for next year’s coveted tournament.

"You know what pisses me off? And I'm being direct here. Is this the topic of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma? You know that they're 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've got to watch their chairs. They might have to disappear.

Don't worry about these two. They'll 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. In all probability, it will be the last World Cup they'll play,” Shastri said on Star Sports.

Shastri further lauded Rohit and Kohli for entertaining fans around the world and guiding young players. He also stated that the duo has become role models for the next generation of cricketers to follow their path. The former head coach also called the duo the great white-ball cricketers.

“They've been giants of the white-ball game; make no mistake about it. They've 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. And Virat and Rohit are two of them,” Shastri concluded.