"India don’t have…": MS Dhoni’s friend gives reality check on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s ODI retirement

India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir's former teammate Suresh Raina has shared his bold views on the rumours of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's ODI retirement.

Suresh Raina said that the modern-day batting greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli shouldn't be forced into ODI retirement because India don't have dependable players to replace them at the moment.

Conflicting reports come regarding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's retirement

It's a fact that Rohit and Kohli are nearing the end of their cricket careers, and the duo have already said goodbye to T20I and Test cricket.

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It will be quite interesting to see how long the duo can drag their ODI careers because 50-over matches have significantly reduced from the cricket calendar, and other than that, they would only feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were last seen in action during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph and were expected to make their return to international cricket in the Bangladesh tour, which was eventually cancelled by the BCCI.

They are set to return to action in the India tour of Australia to feature in a three-match ODI series. Ahead of the tour, a report in Dainik Jagran claimed that it would be the last ODI series for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

It was reported that the duo would retire from ODI cricket after the series because of the mandate received from the BCCI to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy to prove their credentials.

But another report in PTI suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued no such directive; instead, they want the duo to play India A matches.

India don’t have dependable players at No. 1 and No. 3 - Suresh Raina on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's retirement

Former India National Cricket Team batter Suresh Raina is completely against the idea of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from ODI cricket right now.

He said that the Indian dressing room needs both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and their presence will only help the youngsters to grow further. Speaking to Telecom Asia Sport, Suresh Raina said:

"India don’t have dependable players at No. 1 and No. 3 (in ODIs) at the moment, especially when chasing. 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.

"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."

Also Read: Nicholas Pooran officially named Knight Riders captain after shock international retirement

Siraj should be part of the Indian set-up in all three formats - Suresh Raina

Mohammed Siraj is quite an unlucky campaigner because he was dropped from India's white-ball setup despite not delivering a very poor performance.

However, with his recent heroics in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where he took 23 wickets in 9 innings at an average of 32.43 and finished as the leading wicket-taker in the series, he has sent a clear message to the selection committee that he is ready for all formats.

Meanwhile, Suresh Raina showered rich praise on Mohammed Siraj and backed his inclusion in India's squad across formats.

"Siraj should be part of the Indian set-up in all three formats the way he has performed for the country both with white ball and red ball. He bowled 187 overs in the series and went through without a niggle."