Suresh Raina has called for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to remain part of India’s 2027 ODI World Cup plans. Both legends quit Test cricket in May, sparking questions about their future in the limited-overs formats. In their absence, India Test side transitioned smoothly, with Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant enjoying their best series in the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
India’s next ODI will be in October in Australia, and the World Cup is still two years away. Rohit will be 40 and Kohli 39 by then, yet Raina believes their ODI expertise remains unmatched.
Raina Points to Gaps in Top Order
“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,” the 2011 World Cup winner added.
Big-Game Pedigree in Recent Tournaments
Just five months ago, Rohit and Kohli showed their worth in the Champions Trophy in the UAE. Rohit top-scored in the final against New Zealand, winning Player of the Match. Kohli anchored the semi-final win over Australia with 84 runs and scored a match-winning century against Pakistan.
“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 added.
India’s three-match ODI series in Australia begins on October 19 in Perth, followed by games in Adelaide and Sydney. That series may mark the return of both stalwarts to international action.
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