Should India Retain Kohli and Rohit for ODIs?
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Synopsis
Monty Panesar, the former England spinner, believes that India should keep veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODIs. However, he asserts that the team has ample talent to fill any gaps should they retire. As the team gears up for upcoming tournaments, fans eagerly await the veterans' return.
Key Takeaways
- Kohli and Rohit are crucial for India's ODI success.
- India's talent pool allows for seamless replacements.
- Panesar emphasizes the importance of experienced players.
- India has a strong bench strength across all formats.
- Upcoming tournaments are pivotal for Indian cricket.
New Delhi, Aug 2 (NationPress) Former England spinner Monty Panesar asserts that India should maintain the presence of veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the ODI format following their retirements from Test and T20I cricket. He believes that while their experience is invaluable, India possesses enough talent to find suitable replacements without much difficulty.
The two ex-captains announced their exit from T20I cricket after the T20 World Cup victory in 2024 and stepped away from the longest format prior to the England Test series.
As only the 50-over format remains for them, speculation surrounds whether the two legends will remain until the 2027 ODI World Cup.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, Panesar emphasized the importance of Kohli and Rohit for the team, yet noted the depth of talent available in India, suggesting their absence may not pose significant challenges.
“India should aim to continue featuring Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Their vast experience is crucial, especially with the upcoming World Cup, as there are emerging players ready to step up,” Panesar remarked.
“We have witnessed how quickly the team transitions from senior players during the test series, indicating the strength of India’s bench. Even if Kohli and Rohit do not play, their replacements can be found swiftly due to this robustness,” Panesar told IANS.
The last appearance of the duo in national colors was during the 2025 Champions Trophy held in Dubai, where India triumphed over New Zealand in the final, marking the third significant title under Rohit’s captaincy, following the 2023 Asian Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.
After the concluding fifth Test against England at The Oval in London, the Indian team will prepare for the Asia Cup, set to take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28. This edition will adopt the T20 format in anticipation of next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Fans will have to wait until October to see veteran batters Kohli and Rohit don the India jerseys again, as they tour Australia for a white-ball series, commencing with three ODIs.
Point of View
It is crucial for India to balance its respect for experienced players like Kohli and Rohit with the need to nurture upcoming talent. The path forward must embrace both tradition and innovation to ensure sustained success in international cricket.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Monty Panesar say about Kohli and Rohit?
Monty Panesar believes that India should retain Kohli and Rohit for ODIs due to their experience but is confident in the team's ability to find suitable replacements.
When did Kohli and Rohit retire from T20Is?
Kohli and Rohit announced their retirement from T20Is following their victory in the T20 World Cup in 2024.
What recent tournaments has India won under Rohit's captaincy?
India has won the 2023 Asian Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, in addition to the 2025 Champions Trophy.
When will the Asia Cup be held?
The Asia Cup will take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28, 2023.
What series are Kohli and Rohit set to play in October?
Kohli and Rohit are expected to participate in a white-ball series against Australia, starting with three ODIs in October.
