Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma responded to former coach Ravi Shastri’s controversial ‘old dogs’ comment. The remark has sparked discussions ahead of the upcoming India vs Australia cricket series.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma respond to Ravi Shastri’s ‘old dogs’ comment ahead of India vs Australia series, emphasizing experience and team unity.
Mumbai, October 25, 2025 – Ahead of the much-anticipated India vs Australia cricket series, veteran Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have addressed a controversial remark made by former India coach Ravi Shastri, who referred to some of the senior players as ‘old dogs’. The comment has stirred debate within cricketing circles and among fans.
Ravi Shastri, who coached the Indian team from 2017 to 2021, recently made the ‘old dogs’ remark during a cricket analysis segment, implying that some of the senior players might not be as agile or dynamic as they once were. This comment came at a time when discussions about team composition and the balance between experienced players and emerging talent are in the spotlight.
Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated batsmen, responded to the remark during a press interaction on Friday. Kohli acknowledged Shastri’s perspective but emphasized the importance of experience and adaptability in international cricket. “Age is just a number in this game. What matters is how you prepare and perform on the field. We have a mix of youth and experience, and each player brings value to the team,” Kohli said.
Rohit Sharma echoed similar sentiments, stressing the significance of veteran leadership in high-pressure matches. “We respect everyone’s opinions, including Ravi’s, but it’s crucial to remember that players like us continue to put in the hard work to maintain fitness and form. Experience helps us handle challenging situations during matches,” Sharma added.
The ‘old dogs’ comment has sparked wider conversations about the team’s strategy and selection ahead of the upcoming series against Australia, which is scheduled to begin next month. Cricket analysts have noted that India’s mixture of seasoned players and emerging talent has historically contributed to the team’s success.
Former players and cricket experts have weighed in on the debate. Some view Shastri’s comment as a candid assessment aimed at encouraging senior players to stay at peak performance levels, while others consider it an unnecessary critique that could affect team morale.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not officially commented on the matter but continues to focus on preparing the squad for the challenging Australia tour.
As India gears up to face Australia, both teams are expected to field their strongest line-ups. The Indian team management has emphasized fitness, form, and strategy in finalizing the squad, balancing the inclusion of veterans like Kohli and Sharma with promising newcomers.
In summary, the dialogue prompted by Ravi Shastri’s ‘old dogs’ remark highlights the ongoing discussions about balancing experience and youth in Indian cricket. Kohli and Rohit’s measured responses underline their commitment to team unity and performance as the series approaches.
