Former India batter Suresh Raina has said that the knowledge and experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could prove invaluable as Shubman Gill prepares to lead India at the 2027 ODI World Cup. He believes the presence of two seasoned campaigners will provide stability and confidence during high-pressure situations.
Raina emphasised that players who have succeeded in multiple ICC tournaments bring a unique understanding of handling expectations and performing on the grandest stage.
The former left-hander pointed to Rohit Sharma’s outstanding performance in the 2019 World Cup, when he amassed 648 runs and became the first batter to score five centuries in a single edition of the tournament.
Suresh Raina also highlighted Virat Kohli’s remarkable campaign in the 2023 World Cup, where the star batter accumulated a record-breaking 765 runs and finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer.
According to Raina, their proven ability to deliver in major competitions makes them indispensable figures within the Indian dressing room.
Former India coach Anil Kumble praised Gill for adapting seamlessly to leadership responsibilities. He noted that the young captain has demonstrated strong tactical awareness and calm decision-making while leading his teams in recent competitions.
Kumble also observed that Gill has successfully maintained his batting standards despite the additional demands that come with captaincy.
Kumble stated that Gill benefits from having experienced cricketers around him who can offer guidance during critical phases of a match. He added that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can assist with tactical decisions, while Shreyas Iyer’s leadership experience can provide further support.
India will begin their three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Dharamsala on June 13 before travelling to Lucknow and Chennai for the remaining encounters.
The hosts, however, will be without Virat Kohli, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful IPL 2026 campaign.
The selectors have named Yashasvi Jaiswal as Kohli’s replacement in the squad.
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