According to former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, it is still essential for the Indian ODI team to have both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma because of their extensive experience, which may help mentor the players who will eventually assume the leadership role.
Both stalwarts’ futures are still up in the air. Neither Rohit nor Kohli have participated in an international match since they retired from Test cricket earlier this year and led India to a Champions Trophy triumph in March.
But according to Raina, their inclusion in the ODI setup might be very beneficial.
“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.
“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.
There is conjecture that both senior players may return to international cricket during the three-ODI tour of Australia later this year, as the Asia Cup in the T20I format draws near.
In addition, Raina showered Mohammed Siraj with accolades for his outstanding performances in the most recent Test series against England. The Hyderabad pacer has earned his spot in all formats, according to the former India batsman.
“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.
Siraj is one of India’s most reliable bowlers because of his capacity to perform well under pressure and remain consistent in a variety of formats. Raina contends that having him in every format will provide the team with depth and balance in their speed attack.
The combination of seasoned leaders like Rohit and Virat with up-and-coming talent like Gill and Siraj may be crucial to the team’s continued success in the years to come as India attempts to manage the generational shift.
