Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has requested batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to extend their ODI careers, pointing out that their presence is important for guiding the next generation of cricketers. Amidst the speculations over the duo's ODI future, Raina spoke about the importance of their leadership, experience, and match-winning abilities in maintaining India's dominance in the format.
Both Kohli and Rohit retired from Test cricket in the month of May this year and have not featured in any international match since leading India to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy title. According to reports, the BCCI selectors may not consider them in the ODI setup after the October series against Australia, keeping in mind the 2027 ODI World Cup, when Kohli will be 38 and Rohit 40. However, Raina believes sidelining them now would not be the correct decision.
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.