Suresh Raina has backed the inclusion of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The former India batter believes the experience and proven track record of the two veterans will significantly strengthen India’s chances in the tournament.
Speaking in New Delhi on September 22, 2026, Raina highlighted the importance of retaining experienced players for the marquee event. Both Rohit and Kohli have retired from T20 International and Test cricket but remain exclusively active in the ODI format, keeping their focus on the 50-over game.
“We have a run machine at home, and we have a great captain who have won so many trophies in the IPL and for the country. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli need no introduction because I have played a lot of matches with them. Virat is a great player. This time, we are playing the World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe , and I think having both of them in the team gives us a 90 per cent chance of winning the trophy,” Raina told reporters.
Why Raina backs Rohit and Kohli for the 2027 World Cup
Raina’s backing of the two senior players comes at a time when questions have been raised about squad composition for the upcoming World Cup. The former batter emphasised the value of continuity and experience in major tournaments, pointing to the track record of both Rohit and Kohli in winning significant titles for India and in the Indian Premier League.
Raina went on to congratulate the Indian team for winning the gold medal in the Women’s Asian Games on Tuesday, September 22, after beating Sri Lanka by 147 runs in a lopsided final in Nisshin.
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“It is a great achievement, and first of all, congratulations to the entire team. They have been performing consistently well over the years. After winning the World Cup, their confidence and fitness levels have continued to grow, and now they have followed it up with a gold medal at the Asian Games,” he said.
“Congratulations to all the players who have won medals. They have worked extremely hard to achieve these results, and it is wonderful to see the team dominating and continuing to rise. They are performing in a very professional manner, and it is really encouraging to see,” he concluded.Â
