Kiran More Backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to Continue Playing ODIs

Former Indian cricketer and chief selector Kiran More has strongly backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to continue representing India in ODIs for as long as their form and fitness allow.

Speaking to ANI during trials for the Beyond Reach Premier League in Ghaziabad, More dismissed discussions around forcing the two veterans into retirement and emphasised their continued value to Indian cricket.

“These two are legends and it is enjoyable seeing them both play. There should not be any talks about retiring them. They should play as long as they do well and are fit. As long as their legs are running and their bats are scoring runs, they should play. I enjoy watching these two play. There is a lot of fans who love these two special players. When Sachin retired, I had tears in my eyes. When these two will go, they will be missed a lot too. When that time will come, they will decide.”

His comments come at a time when both players are increasingly being viewed as ODI specialists for India following the gradual transition of the national team across formats.

Why Are Questions Being Raised About Their ODI Futures?

The debate around Rohit and Virat’s future has intensified with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching.

Every dip in form or fitness concern involving either player tends to trigger speculation about whether India should begin preparing a younger middle-order and leadership core.

Virat Kohli faced criticism after returning to ODI cricket last year and registering back-to-back ducks against Australia in October. Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, struggled during India’s ODI series against New Zealand before the IPL and also dealt with hamstring issues that forced him to miss part of the season for the Mumbai Indians.

Despite those setbacks, both players remain central figures in India’s ODI plans ahead of the home series against Afghanistan beginning June 14.

How Has Virat Kohli Performed Recently?

Even at this stage of his career, Kohli continues to maintain elite standards in ODI cricket.

In 311 ODIs, he has scored 14,797 runs at an average of 58.71, including 54 centuries and 77 fifties, with a highest score of 183.

Last year, Kohli finished as India’s leading ODI run-scorer with 651 runs in 13 matches at an average of 65.10, including three centuries and four fifties.

In 2026, he has already scored 240 runs in just three innings at an average of 80.00, registering both a century and a fifty while maintaining a strike rate above 105.

Kohli has also continued to evolve his T20 game in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He remains in contention for the Orange Cap with 542 runs in 13 innings at an average of 54.20 and a strike rate of 164.74, including one century and four fifties.

How Has Rohit Sharma Fared in ODIs and IPL?

Rohit’s ODI numbers also underline why calls for his retirement remain divisive.

In 282 ODIs, the Indian captain has scored 11,577 runs at an average of 48.84, including 33 centuries and 61 fifties. His highest ODI score remains the record-breaking 264.

Last year, Rohit was India’s second-highest ODI run-getter during their ICC Champions Trophy-winning campaign, scoring 650 runs in 14 matches at an average of 50.00 and a strike rate above 100.

However, his start to 2026 has been relatively quiet, with just 61 runs in three innings and a highest score of 26.

In the IPL, Rohit has shown flashes of brilliance despite inconsistency. He has scored 283 runs in 10 innings for Mumbai Indians at a strike rate above 160, including two half-centuries and a highest score of 84.

Why Do Rohit and Virat Still Matter to Indian Cricket?

Beyond statistics, Rohit and Virat continue to command unmatched influence within Indian cricket because of their experience, leadership and fan following.

For over a decade, the pair have formed the backbone of India’s batting across formats and remain among the sport’s biggest global stars.

Kiran More’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among many former cricketers and fans who believe that decisions on retirement should ultimately rest with the players themselves, particularly when they are still contributing at the highest level.

With India preparing for another ODI World Cup cycle, the performances of Rohit and Virat over the next year could determine whether Indian cricket continues to rely on its most celebrated modern-day batting duo.

(With inputs from ANI)