'Virat, Rohit should keep playing ODIs' - Suresh Raina requests batting stalwarts to continue playing 50-over format

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.

"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. 

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They need to be part of the dressing room: 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.