Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should play the 50-over World Cup: Suresh Raina

Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has stated that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should continue playing the ODI format until the conclusion of the forthcoming ICC ODI World Cup in 2027. 

Notably, Rohit and Kohli were last seen playing for the Indian team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, when India lifted the silverware after defeating New Zealand in the grand finale in Dubai.

Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube channel, Raina stated that, though it depends on the Indian selection committee, he would love to see the veteran duo playing the ICC mega event two years later.

"Ro-Ko should play the 50-over World Cup because they won Champions Trophy. They have a lot of experience and you know Rohit will play domestics; he is even practicing. All depends on the selectors what team they are forming,” Raina said on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube channel.

"I would give once chance to Rohit as captain and Virat Kohli both should play the 50-over World Cup. Virat won in 2011 when we won. Rohit should also win one title. I think they will give them chance,” he added.

Moreover, Raina felt that Shubman Gill is the actual choice to replace Rohit as ODI captain. However, he also stated that Hardik Pandya has enough experience, like Kapil Dev, to lead the white-ball team.

"Shubman Gill any day, the way they decide but I think Hardik Pandya will do a lot of miracles in white-ball cricket as a captain. Even Shubman Gill can be that guy. Hopefully, he [Hardik] should become captain again. He has experience like Kapil Paji whether it’s batting, bowling or fielding.

"And he’s a very very positive guy. The way he has performed, he is a captain for the players. I see him as a glimpse of MS Dhoni in him, the way he interact and conduct on the ground, the energy, I like the most," he added.

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