"Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma 1000 times better than other Indian players"- Remark stirs controversy

Former India fast bowler S. Sreesanth has opened up about the ongoing debate over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future as India plans for the next 50-over ICC tournament. Sreesanth urged head coach Gautam Gambhir not to hold back the two veterans, adding that they are far better than many current players.

After helping India win the first ODI in Ranchi, Virat and Rohit continued to train with full intensity ahead of the second match. Despite ongoing discussions about their future in the format, the senior players spent long hours in the nets. The second ODI will be played in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Train Intensely Ahead of Second ODI in Raipur

According to a report by The Times of India, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma trained with full focus ahead of the second match. The two senior players practised together and faced a long spell of throw-downs during an extended net session.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Kohli was seen working against right-arm and left-arm angles from India’s throw-down specialists. He timed the ball well under the floodlights, even though a few fast deliveries beat his bat.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir watched the session closely from between the nets, observing every detail. After finishing his batting, Kohli walked past Gambhir without any interaction. Rohit, who completed his session soon after, stopped to speak with the coach before heading inside.

Ro-Ko Ko Mat Roko - S Sreesanth Urges Gautam Gambhir

Speaking during the Abu Dhabi T10 League, S. Sreesanth urged Gautam Gambhir to keep backing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He said that they deserve to continue in the format as long as they wish to play. Sreesanth also stated that the two senior batters are far better than most current players.

"Gautam bhai aap coach ho aap kisi ko mat roko, especially Ro-Ko ko mat roko. Rohit aur Virat ka jo record hai behtareen hain aur jab tak woh khelna chahte hain unko khelne do (Gautam bhai, you are the coach and you should not stop anyone, especially don't stop Ro-Ko. Rohit and Virat have outstanding records, and as long as they want to play, let them play)," Sreesanth said.

"Because they are thousand times better than most of the players that are currently playing. So, I just want to say all the very best to Ro-Ko and please don't stop those brilliant legends Gauti," he added.

S Sreesanth: I only request Gauti bhai don’t stop Ro-Ko. Let them play, they’re 1000 times better than the current players. I just want to say all the best to those legends.

pic.twitter.com/7ecPVA25J3

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) December 2, 2025

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Continue Fine Form Amid Selectors Seeking Clarity on Their Future

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli made a comeback to ODI cricket during the Australia tour in October. Rohit scored a fifty and a century in the last two matches and won the Player of the Series award. Kohli also impressed with a match-winning 74 after recording back-to-back ducks.

They continued their form in the home series against South Africa. Rohit Sharma scored his third consecutive fifty-plus innings, while Virat Kohli smashed 135 runs in Ranchi. The duo helped India take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

However, the selectors still want clarity on their long-term plans. Both players have been asked to take part in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy as per the BCCI’s mandate. It will be interesting to see senior players making a comeback in domestic cricket in the 50-over format.

Also read: Shubman Gill ruled out of first two T20Is against South Africa; Set to make a comeback on…