Watch: "Where did they ever go?" — Ravi Shastri mocks Ajit Agarkar over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's spot for ODI WC 2027

The former head coach of the Indian side, Ravi Shastri, has mocked the current BCCI chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, regarding the ongoing debate over the positions of the two veteran batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.  

Both Kohli and Rohit got back in action during the three-match ODI series against West Indies after the England series. In the previous series, the former celebrated two successive half-centuries while Rohit stopped the criticism with a fine century during the third clash at Lord’s.

Ravi Shastri takes a cheeky dig at chief selector Ajit Agarkar over the ongoing debate

Shastri, during the opening ODI of the series against West Indies, took a cheeky dig at Agarkar by claiming that the people who would doubt the places of Kohli and Rohit Sharma would need to watch their chairs in the future.

Watch Shastri's cheeky dig here- 

“You know what pisses me off is, and I am direct here, the topic of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli- you know that they are back. When did they ever go? Where did they even go to be back? If you want to take them out, they have got to watch their chairs. They might have to disappear.” Shastri said on Star Sports.

“Don’t worry about these two. They will be there, and they will play. And God willing, they will do well. I mean it’s a tribute to what they have done over the last decade and a half. You know, the legacy that they are going to leave behind, you know, in all probability, it will be the last World Cup for them.” He addressed.

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Shastri also reflected on how the duo would always be important in inspiring the young players, who would want to emulate the pair in the game.

“You know, they have been the giants of the white-ball game. Make no mistake. They have entertained all over the world. They have been great role models for the young players coming through. And people aspire and dream. They want to emulate great players of the past, and Virat and Rohit are two of them.” The former Indian all-rounder concluded.

How Kohli and Rohit performed in the 1st ODI vs West Indies

In the chase of 296 runs against the West Indies, Rohit gave India a superb start with the bat with a decent knock of 32 runs off 25 balls at a strike rate of 91.43 with the help of two boundaries and three sixes in the opening stand of 74 runs in 12 overs.

See Also: Watch: Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma's funny reaction to watching IND vs WI 1st ODI from Japan

Gill, meanwhile, celebrated his 10th century in ODIs through a fine century-run stand for the second wicket with Kohli, who, in the process, completed his 15000th run in the format and was unbeaten on 72 runs off just 51 balls in 31.1 overs of India’s innings.

Earlier, West Indies posted 295/7 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to Justin Greaves’ 101-run knock, while Amir Jangoo remained undefeated on 58 runs off 43 balls at a strike rate of 134.88.