Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has expressed strong support for the return of star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the national side for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, stating their presence will significantly bolster the team's strength.
RoKo's Formidable Comeback
Raina, speaking to ANI, emphasized that the duo's comeback, often fondly referred to as 'RoKo', will make the Indian team a formidable force that will be difficult to stop. He specifically pointed to Rohit Sharma’s brilliant century against Australia in the third ODI back in October as a testament to his current form and class.
The three-match ODI series against South Africa is scheduled to begin in Ranchi on November 30, and both senior players are part of the squad. While Raina mentioned he felt the two could have played more matches earlier, he respected their personal decision to take a break.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 World Cup
In a significant long-term prediction, Raina suggested that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might still be in the frame for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He elaborated on the immense value they bring beyond just runs, highlighting the belief and confidence they instill in the entire team and its massive fan base.
"When Rohit and Virat play, there is a different belief in the crowd. As a coach, as a player, as a fan of Indian cricket, their presence is reassuring," Raina stated. He praised Virat Kohli as a 'gun player' with a mountain of runs and expressed his firm belief that there is still a lot of cricket left in both legends.
A Guiding Force for Victory
Raina concluded with a hopeful note, stating that he expects the experienced pair to guide the Indian team to a series victory in South Africa. He underscored the unique passion they bring to the game, which he believes will be crucial for the team's success in the challenging overseas conditions.
The return of these two batting maestros is undoubtedly the biggest talking point for Indian cricket fans as the team prepares for its next major assignment in the 50-over format.
