Suresh Raina backs Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to keep playing ODIs to guide juniors

Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has backed the veteran duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to keep playing ODIs to guide juniors. While Rohit Sharma has amassed 11,168 runs in 273 ODI matches at an impressive average of 48.77, Kohli has aggregated 14,181 runs in 302 ODI games at a stunning average of 57.88; thus, their records speak for themselves.

However, despite performing consistently for the team in the ODI format, it has been reported that Rohit and Virat could retire after the three-match ODI series against Australia in October.

The pair has already announced their retirement from Test cricket and had retired from T20Is after the 2024 T20 World Cup.

“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.

On the other hand, Raina, who announced his retirement on August 15, 2020, said Mohammed Siraj should play all three formats for India. Siraj bowled a total of 185.3 overs on the England tour and scalped 23 wickets in five Test matches at an average of 32.43.

“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 returned with figures of 9-190 in the final Test at the Kennington Oval against England and was awarded Player of the Match.