Former head coach of India, Ravi Shastri and former captain, Rohit Sharma brought joy to cricket fans with a surprise encounter in London on July 31, 2026. Sharma, fresh off a family holiday following India's ODI series against England, was seen sporting a clean-shaven look, while Shastri was in the UK for coverage of The Hundred. as the two Mumbai cricketers paused to chat, posed for photos, and shared some lighthearted moments that soon made waves on social media.
Ravi Shastri in his recent Instagram post said, “Great bumping into a relaxed Shaaaarma on a stroll in London.” The bond of Ravi Shastri and Rohit Sharma was developed over several years in the dressing room. In his tenure as the head coach, Shastri was a strong supporter of the veteran opener's decision to bat at the top position in Test matches. This decision revitalized his career with the red ball. Even amid retirement speculation, the 1983 World Cup winner has remained one of ICC Champions’ Trophy 2025 winning-captain's strongest supporters.
“He doesn’t have to prove anything” - Ravi Shastri Backs Rohit Sharma For ICC World Cup 2027
Ravi Shastri once again stood firmly behind Rohit Sharma following the ODI series against England, particularly after the opener's 138-run innings at Lord's. The former India coach said, "Rohit didn't need to prove himself, but he has shut everybody up. When a player has done that much, he doesn't have to prove anyone anything. But if he has the desire to play and work hard at his game and is still enjoying it, I think he should be given the opportunity for as long as he wants."
But Shastri's remarks have also reignited the controversy surrounding future plans of India's batting lineup. And the question isn't about whether Sharma needs to open the innings or not, but about how such discussions were conducted. Reports that selectors have made up their mind before any direct talks got them criticized, and even Ravichandran Ashwin questioned such strategy. On the other hand, it can't be forgotten that selection shouldn't rely only on a veteran's opinion, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup around the corner and young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal are waiting for an opportunity.
Still, India’s legendary opener did show why he is worthy of opening at Lord's. His chase was very well calculated, as he scored 67 runs in 62 deliveries before hitting hard during the end of the innings, when England's top fast bowlers completed their quota. Whether that performance earns him a spot for the West Indies series in September will ultimately hinge on the choices made by Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar. They’ll need to consider not just his current form, but also their long-term strategy and how it all fits into the overall team balance.
