Former India cricketer Suresh Raina believes the ODI team still needs the experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, especially in the top order.
Raina feels India currently lack reliable options at No. 1 and No. 3 in one-day cricket. According to him, these positions are crucial when chasing big scores, and the presence of seasoned players can make the difference.
He also pointed out that younger batters like Shubman Gill benefit from having senior teammates around. In his view, Rohit and Virat’s track record in ICC tournaments and the IPL gives them the ability to guide the team in pressure situations.
While both players have retired from Test cricket, their ODI future remains open. With the next World Cup still two years away, Raina believes their experience could help India stay competitive and mentor the next generation.
Why These Positions Matter
In ODIs, the top order sets the tone. A solid start can make run chases smoother and give the middle order less pressure. Raina pointed out that Rohit and Virat have a proven record of delivering in big games, which is something young players can learn from.
Role in Mentoring Young Players
Raina highlighted the importance of mentorship for players like Shubman Gill. He believes that learning directly from seasoned match-winners can help Gill and others understand how to pace innings, handle different pitch conditions, and manage pressure in international cricket.
Big Tournaments
Both Rohit and Virat have won major trophies from the ICC Champions Trophy to the World Cup and have performed in multiple knockout matches. Raina feels this kind of experience can’t be replaced overnight and is vital for guiding the team in high-stakes moments.
Top Order Experience Is Important
In ODIs, the first few wickets decide how the rest of the innings will go. Rohit and Virat have a long history of giving India strong starts and building match-winning partnerships. Raina says their calmness in high-pressure games is something younger batters can learn from.
Helping the Next Generation
Raina pointed out that young stars like Shubman Gill benefit from sharing the field with proven performers. He believes seniors can guide juniors on how to read the game, pace an innings, and adjust to different conditions.
Both Rohit and Virat have been part of India’s biggest cricket victories, including ICC trophies and IPL titles. According to Raina, this winning mindset is valuable in the dressing room and hard to replace.
ODI Future Still Open
Although Rohit and Virat have retired from Test cricket, the BCCI has not made any decisions about their ODI careers. With the 2027 World Cup still two years away, Raina feels they should continue to play and mentor the team during this transition period.