 "Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's ODI futures have become a topic of speculation in Indian cricket. Image: PTI")
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has come out in support of former teammates Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma amid the reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors may look to push them out of the ODI team after the ODI series in Australia in October. With Kohli and Rohit now retired from T20Is and Tests, it has reportedly been felt by Team India selectors that the legendary duo may not fit well into Men in Blue’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is still more than two years away.
Also, the ages of Kohli and Rohit could be a concern. Kohli would be 38 by the time the 2027 ODI World Cup comes around, while Rohit will be 40. Amid a lack of international games for the duo and their growing age, a few experts and BCCI insiders feel that it’s time to move on, but Raina, who was one of the most dependable middle-order ODI batters for India, feels it would be a big mistake.
‘India needs players like Virat and Rohit’
Raina, who made 5615 runs in 226 ODIs and was part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team, feels India still don’t have dependable players in the top-order, hence it’s important that Kohli and Rohit stay involved with the team.
“India don’t have dependable players at No. 1 and No. 3 (in ODIs) at the moment, especially when chasing,” Raina told Telecom Asia Sport.
“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,” he added.
Raina also brought up Kohli and Rohit’s incredible ODI international form and past to highlight their importance. Earlier this year, India won the Champions Trophy 2025 with Kohli scoring 218 runs at an average of 54.50. He was the second-highest run-getter for India in the tournament after Shreyas Iyer.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsIn the final, captain Rohit Sharma smashed 76 as India won their third Champions Trophy.
“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,” Raina said.
For the unversed, Kohli and Rohit will not be seen in action at least till October this year as India are not scheduled to play ODIs in August or September. The ODI series between Australia and India starts on 19 October in Perth.