Shane Watson on Kohli & Rohit: ‘Young Players Need to Break the Door Down

Kohli & Rohit Shine in Champions Trophy 2025: Shane Watson Reminds Critics How Good They Still Are

India’s Glorious Champions Trophy Win

The Champions Trophy 2025 ended with a spectacular victory for Team India, marking their third title win in the tournament’s history. The final against New Zealand in Dubai saw Ravindra Jadeja sealing the win with the final runs, sparking wild celebrations among Indian players and fans alike.

However, amid the joy, speculation arose regarding the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODIs. Having already retired from T20 internationals, fans wondered whether the two cricketing legends would bid farewell to the 50-over format as well.

But both Kohli and Rohit were quick to dismiss retirement rumors, making it clear that they are not done yet.

Shane Watson’s Verdict: ‘Count Kohli & Rohit Out at Your Own Risk!’

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson weighed in on the discussion, firmly stating that Kohli and Rohit are still at their peak and will continue to dominate international cricket.

“My personal opinion is those guys are still batting incredibly well. Virat was outstanding throughout the tournament. He remains the best chaser ODI cricket has ever seen. And Rohit’s knock in the final was just amazing,” Watson said in an interview with Hindustan Times.

Watson emphasized that as long as these two are in form, younger players will find it extremely difficult to take their spots in the Indian team.

“If they still feel the energy and the fire to play for India, they’ll keep out the younger guys. They’re that good,” he added.

Kohli & Rohit: A Nightmare for Bowlers

Throughout the Champions Trophy 2025, both Kohli and Rohit showcased their brilliance, proving why they remain the backbone of India’s batting lineup.

. Kohli’s Masterclass in Chases

Virat Kohli’s ability to anchor run-chases once again came to the fore. Whether it was steadying the innings after early wickets or accelerating at the right time, Kohli’s presence in the middle ensured India never lost control of matches.

. Rohit’s Explosive Final Performance

In the high-pressure final against New Zealand, Rohit Sharma played a blistering knock, taking the game away from the opposition early on. His fearless strokeplay against the Kiwi attack left the opposition stunned.

What This Means for Young Indian Batters

With Kohli and Rohit showing no signs of slowing down, young Indian batters will have to fight even harder to break into the team.

“If younger players want to replace them, they’ll need to score a crazy amount of runs and do extraordinary things,” Watson stated.

This means rising stars like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad will have to deliver exceptional performances consistently to even challenge for a spot.

Steve Smith Retires from ODIs, But Could Have Played Longer?

While Kohli and Rohit continue their journey, Australia’s Steve Smith made a surprising decision—retiring from ODIs after Australia’s semi-final loss to India.

Watson believes that Smith could have easily played until the 2027 ODI World Cup but acknowledged that the former Australian captain made the decision that felt right for him.

“Steve is still good enough to play in 2027. But it’s his call, and he’s earned the right to make it,” Watson said.

With Smith stepping away from ODIs, Australia faces a significant void in their middle order heading into future ICC tournaments.

Watson’s Incredible Form in the International Masters League

Even after retiring from international cricket, Shane Watson continues to impress with his batting in the International Masters League (IML).

At 43 years old, Watson has been in sensational form, scoring three centuries in just four matches. His standout innings include:

. 122 vs South Africa*
. 115 vs West Indies
. 109 vs India

Watson credits his intense preparation for his outstanding performances.

“I made sure to practice regularly before the tournament. The hard work paid off when I walked onto the pitch,” he said.

The IML tournament also features legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and Jacques Kallis, making it a dream event for cricket fans.

“Playing alongside my childhood heroes like Sachin and Lara is an absolute privilege,” Watson added.

What’s Next for Kohli & Rohit?

With the Champions Trophy now in the bag, all eyes are on India’s upcoming cricket schedule.

 Upcoming Challenges for Team India:
. Test Series against Australia & England
. ODI Series against South Africa
. 2027 ODI World Cup Preparations

Kohli and Rohit remain vital to India’s success in these matches, and with their hunger for international glory still burning, fans can expect many more memorable performances from these legends.

The Kings Aren’t Done Yet!

The 2025 Champions Trophy proved that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are far from finished. Despite constant speculation about their futures, the duo continues to perform at the highest level, making it clear that they still belong on the biggest stage.

As Watson rightly pointed out, younger players will have to work incredibly hard to replace them. Until then, Kohli and Rohit will continue ruling world cricket.