Former India coach Ravi Shastri has given his candid opinion regarding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's One Day International career, terming the coming series against Australia a big test for the veteran duo. In his opinion, the series will show whether the old guard duo has the zeal and touch to keep playing until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kohli, 36, and Rohit, 38, both retired from Tests and T20 Internationals but continue to play the 50-over format. Both have been named in India's team for the three-match ODI series against Australia, which will start on October 19 in Perth. The duo will join the team on October 15. Shastri: "This series will tell them where they stand" Ravi Shastri, while attending the launch of Kayo Sport's Summer of Cricket, noted that ODIs coming up will be a reality check for both teams. Shastri told cricket.com.au: "That’s why they’re here (playing the ODI series against Australia). They’re part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger and, of course, form. So, I think this series is very important to see how they go. They themselves will know by the end of this series how they feel and then it’s their call." Shastri further added that their long-term inclusion will depend on how their body and mind react after this series. With the next ODI World Cup two years from now, Rohit Sharma will be 40 and Virat Kohli 38 by then. Rohit has also just been replaced by Shubman Gill as India's ODI skipper, which indicates a transition era in Indian cricket. Also Read | Abhimanyu Easwaran accepts being hurt for not getting chance in India Test XI "No substitute for experience in big games" - Shastri The former skipper also drew comparisons with Australian great Steve Smith, who called time on his ODIs earlier this year. Shastri added: "At that age, you’ve got to enjoy it, and you still have to have the hunger. But there’s no substitute for experience when it comes to the big games, as we saw in the Champions Trophy. Come the big games, and the big boys step up." He saluted both veterans for their contributions to India's Champions Trophy victory earlier this year, Rohit was awarded Player of the Match in the final, while Kohli ended up as one of the top five run-scorers of the tournament. Shastri Supports Young Guns for India's White-Ball Future Ravi Shastri is of the opinion that India's strength lies in white-ball cricket owing to a good combination of some experienced players and young talent. He added: "India is much stronger in white ball than the red ball. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli… they know that these youngsters are pushing them." He also commended players like Tilak Varma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill for their aggressive style in limited-over cricket. Former India Head Coach said: "(Varma’s) innings in that Asia Cup final was absolutely fantastic because under pressure to play like that was impressive." With all-rounders like Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel providing balance, Shastri feels India's white-ball team is still one of the best in the world.