Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Steve Waugh Tells Kohli, Sharma Not to Put Themselves Above Cricket
Imagine a popular superhero duo who have been saving the day for a long time.
A wise old superhero coach says that even the best heroes can't stay forever.
He reminds everyone that the team is more important than any single player, and new heroes will always come along to take their place.
Even though these heroes are amazing, they can't decide when or how they play forever.
The person in charge of picking the team needs to make tough choices, thinking about what's best for winning future championships, not just about who the most famous players are right now.
The coach believes the players need to understand that the game itself is the most important thing and they shouldn't act like they are bigger than the game.
Former Australian captain Steve Waugh believes no cricketer is irreplaceable in modern cricket.
Waugh advised players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not to 'dictate the game' or place themselves above it.
His comments are in the context of decisions regarding the ODI future of Kohli and Sharma, with the 2027 World Cup in mind.
Waugh stressed that the game moves on and selectors must make tough calls for the betterment of the team.
He highlighted the importance of communication and distance for the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, when dealing with experienced players.
- Who
- Former Australian captain Steve Waugh, Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
- What
- Steve Waugh stated that no cricketer is irreplaceable and they should not 'dictate the game', implying players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should not consider themselves above the sport.
- When
- The comments were made recently, discussed in relation to the players' future leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
- Where
- The comments were made in an interview with journalist Vimal Kumar on his YouTube channel.
- Why
- Waugh's statement addresses the challenge faced by chief selector Ajit Agarkar in deciding the future ODI roles of veteran players Kohli and Sharma, balancing their legacy with the team's prospects.
- Former Captain
- Steve Waugh
- Players Mentioned
- Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma
- Key Message
- No player is irreplaceable; the game is bigger than the individual.
- Context
- Discussion around the ODI future of Kohli and Sharma, potentially for the 2027 World Cup.
- Selection Committee Head
- Ajit Agarkar