Former India batter Suresh Raina has backed Shubman Gill's captaincy credentials ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, arguing that having veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the same dressing room gives the young skipper a decisive edge. Speaking on JioStar, Raina said the duo's World Cup pedigree is unmatched in modern Indian cricket.

Raina on Kohli and Rohit's World Cup record

Both Kohli and Rohit have retired from T20I and Test cricket but remain active in ODIs, keeping them firmly in the frame for the 2027 edition. Raina pointed to their respective tournament records as proof of their value. Rohit Sharma was the top scorer at the 2019 ODI World Cup, amassing 648 runs in nine games at an average of 81.00, including five centuries — making him the first batter in World Cup history to score five hundreds in a single edition. Virat Kohli then surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's single-edition record of 673 runs at the 2023 edition, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 765 runs in 11 innings and earning the Player of the Tournament award.

'Physical and mental preparation will be key for Virat Kohli. He looks very strong in white-ball cricket. The same goes for Rohit Sharma. Both are proven run-scorers in ICC World Cups. Rohit topped the run charts in 2019, and Virat did the same in 2023. They have also won ICC trophies, which adds immense value to their leadership and presence. They know how to handle pressure in knockout games. They have been there, done that,' Raina said.

Why Gill benefits from experienced company

Raina stressed that the presence of seasoned campaigners will ease the burden on Gill as a first-time World Cup captain. 'Experience matters in big tournaments. The young batters around them will benefit from their guidance. For Shubman Gill, captaining India in a World Cup, having Rohit and Virat alongside him will be a huge advantage. Their experience will be invaluable on and off the field. In a high-pressure tournament like the World Cup, that kind of presence can make all the difference,' he added.

Kumble praises Gill's composure under pressure

Former India spinner and coach Anil Kumble echoed the sentiment, praising Gill for maintaining his batting form despite taking on the captaincy. 'Shubman Gill is a very experienced captain. We have seen it in the IPL — he has rotated his bowlers well, used his spinners at the right time, and handled pressure situations with clarity. His form with the bat has not dipped,' Kumble said. He noted that the presence of Kohli and Rohit on the field helps Gill read the game better, assisting with field placements, bowling changes, and key tactical decisions. T20I captain Shreyas Iyer can also share inputs, meaning Gill 'doesn't have to carry the burden alone,' Kumble added.

Kohli ruled out of Afghanistan series; Jaiswal steps in

The context for these assessments is India's upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, beginning 13 June in Dharamsala, followed by fixtures in Lucknow on 17 June and Chennai on 20 June. However, Kohli has been ruled out of the series after sustaining a hamstring injury during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's run to the IPL 2026 title last week. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been named as his replacement. The Afghanistan series will serve as an early test of Gill's leadership without one of his most experienced lieutenants.