"They need to be part of the dressing room…"- Suresh Raina backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027

Suresh Raina said that young players needs experienced campaigners like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ODIs.

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to continue playing ODI cricket. Raina feels that their vast experience will help the youngsters in 50-over cricket.

Notably, both Indian batting legends announced their retirement from test cricket earlier in May 2025. Last year, they pulled the curtains down on their T20I careers after winning ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The two stalwarts of the Indian cricket are only active in One-Day Internationals now, with Rohit being the skipper.

However, some recent reports suggested that the forthcoming ODI series against Australia in October might be the last international campaign for both legends. Moreover, their chances of playing in ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 are very low.

Rohit and Virat’s experience is very important: Suresh Raina

During a conversation with Telecom Asia Sport, cricketer-turned-commentator Raina reckoned that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should continue playing in ODIs, as their experience will benefit youngsters.

“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 said.

“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.

Notably, Shubman Gill succeeded Rohit as the test skipper of India. The 25-year-old showed brilliant captaincy skills during the recently concluded England tour, leading the team to a 2-2 draw in a five-match series.

Earlier, there were also reports that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) want to keep the same captain in ODIs and tests in future and hence, Gill will take charge in this format as well. Moreover, Rohit will be 40 years old in 2027 and his fitness will be a big concern for the ICC Cricket World Cup that year. Therefore, selectors want to prepare young players for leadership roles in the next two years.

Meanwhile, Rohit will lead the Men in Blue in the away ODI series against Australia in October. India will play three ODIs against Australia from October 19 to 25. Next month, India will participate in Asia Cup 2025 from September 9 to 28, in UAE which will be played in T20I format.

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