Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has urged batting legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to continue their ODI careers, stating that their presence is critical in guiding the next generation of players. Despite rumours regarding the duo’s ODI futures, Raina emphasised the importance of their leadership, experience, and match-winning talents in retaining India’s dominance in the format.
Both Kohli and Rohit resigned from Test cricket in May of this year, and they have not played in an international match since helping India to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. According to rumours, the BCCI selectors may not consider them for the ODI setup after the October series against Australia, with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup, when Kohli will be 38 and Rohit 40. However, Raina believes that excluding them now would be the wrong move.
“Rohit and Virat’s experience is very important It’s crucial for the seniors to stay involved with the juniors. Shubman (Gill) has done really well, but he needs players like Virat and Rohit,” Raina told Telecom Asia Sport.
They need to be part of the dressing room: Suresh Raina
The former mentioned their track record in major tournaments. Kohli scored 218 runs at an average of 54.50 in the 2025 Champions Trophy, finishing as India’s second-highest run-getter after Shreyas Iyer, while Rohit led from the front with a 76-run knock in the final to secure the title.
“They have won the Champions Trophy, they have won the World Cups. Virat won the last IPL also. For the astute leadership they have shown during their respective careers, they need to be part of the dressing room,” he added
According to Raina, India still lacks dependable options at No. 1 and No. 3 in ODIs, particularly when chasing, which further proves the case for retaining Kohli and Rohit.
The 38-year-old also heaped huge praise for pacer Mohammed Siraj, who impressed in the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. The Hyderabad fast bowler delivered 187 overs in the series without injury.
“Siraj should be part of the Indian set-up in all three formats, given how he has performed for the country with both the white ball and red ball. He bowled 187 overs in the series and came through without any niggle,” Raina said.
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