Former cricketer Suresh Raina feels that India’s senior batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, should be included in the 2027 ODI World Cup squad. Both players currently feature only in ODIs, having retired from T20Is and Tests. Raina suggested that the selectors give these experienced campaigners an opportunity to shine in the marquee event.
He added that Sharma also deserves a chance to win a 50-over World Cup, a milestone Kohli achieved in 2011. The 38-year-old further recommended that Sharma retain his role as ODI captain for the 2027 tournament. He shared these views during an interview on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube channel (at 56:00).
“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.”
“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.”
“I See Dhoni In Him”- Suresh Raina Names Team India Star As Rohit’s ODI Successor
Suresh Raina identified all-rounder Hardik Pandya as a worthy candidate to lead Team India in ODIs following Rohit Sharma’s retirement. He noted that Hardik shows glimpses of the leadership qualities of the legendary MS Dhoni.
Raina also mentioned that Shubman Gill has the potential for a successful captaincy stint but expressed his wish to see Hardik return to contention for white-ball leadership. The 2011 World Cup winner shared these views in the same interview (at 53:00).
“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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