“Aap kisi ko mat roko, especially Ro-Ko” - Former teammate’s blunt message to Gautam Gambhir amid IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Former India pacer S Sreesanth has urged Gautam Gambhir to relentlessly back Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and let them play for as long as they want to. He bluntly stated that there is no need to stop 'Ro-Ko', a name affectionately given by fans to the two superstars of Indian cricket.

There have been consistent conversations about the futures of the two veterans, despite their outstanding numbers, especially in ODIs. The duo wants to not only compete at the 2027 World Cup but also lift the trophy.

Speaking to a reporter in a video that has gone viral on social media, Sreesanth said, as quoted by The Hindustan Times:

"Gautam bhai aap coach ho aap kisi ko mat roko, especially Ro-Ko ko mat roko. Rohit aur Virat ka jo record hai behtareen hain aur jab tak woh khelna chahte hain unko khelne do. Because they are thousand times better than most of the players that are currently playing. So, I just want to say all the very best to Ro-Ko and please don't stop those brilliant legends Gauti."

(Gautam bhai, you are the coach. Don't stop anyone, especially Ro-ko. Rohit and Vira Kohli's records are outstanding, so let them play as long as they want to. Because they are thousand times better than most of the players that are currently playing. So, I just want to say all the very best to Ro-Ko and please don't stop those brilliant legends Gauti.)

Both Rohit and Kohli asserted their authority over South Africa in the first ODI against South Africa on Sunday, November 30. Kohli was adjudged Player of the Match of his 135 off 120 deliveries as India won by 17 runs. But there have been reports about rift between head coach Gambhir and the two batting titans.

Gautam Gambhir's position under scrutiny after two Test series whitewashes at home

Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir finds himself under massive pressure after Team India suffered 0-2 and 0-3 series sweeps to South Africa and New Zealand at home. It has sparked a clamour for the former India opener to step down as the coach.

Nevertheless, reports claimed that the BCCI is not looking to replace Gambhir any time soon, given his contract runs until 2027.