Kiran More Supports Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Continued ODI Careers
Kiran More's Endorsement of Cricket Legends
Kiran More, a former Indian cricketer and chief selector, has expressed his support for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, emphasizing that both players should continue their international careers as long as they maintain their form and fitness. He highlighted their immense popularity and the joy they bring to fans.
Following the Indian Premier League (IPL), the duo, often referred to as 'Ro-Ko', will don the ODI jersey again for a three-match series against Afghanistan starting June 14. However, discussions about their future in the ODI format, especially concerning the 2027 ODI World Cup, have intensified with each minor dip in performance or fitness issue. Kohli faced challenges last year with two consecutive ducks against Australia, while Rohit struggled in a series against New Zealand and dealt with hamstring injuries, affecting his participation with the Mumbai Indians.
Kiran More's Thoughts on Their Retirement
During an interview at the Beyond Reach Premier League (BRPL) trials in Ghaziabad, More stated, "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 are many 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 comes, they will decide."
Virat Kohli's Impressive Statistics
Virat Kohli has played 311 ODIs, accumulating 14,797 runs in 299 innings, boasting an impressive average of 58.71, with 54 centuries and 77 fifties, and a highest score of 183. Last year, he finished with 651 runs in 13 ODIs at an average of 65.10, making him India's leading ODI run-scorer. In 2026, he has already scored 240 runs in three innings at an average of 80.00, including a century and a fifty. In the IPL, Kohli has excelled, competing for the Orange Cap with 542 runs in 13 innings at an average of 54.20 and a strike rate of 164.74, featuring a century and four fifties.
Rohit Sharma's Recent Performance Overview
Rohit Sharma has participated in 282 ODIs, amassing 11,577 runs at an average of 48.84 across 274 innings, with 33 centuries and 61 fifties, and a top score of 264. Last year, he was the second-highest run-scorer for India in ODIs, leading the team to an ICC Champions Trophy victory with 650 runs in 14 matches at an average of 50.00 and a strike rate exceeding 100, including two centuries and four fifties, with a best score of 121*. This year, he has scored only 61 runs in three innings, with a top score of 26. In the ongoing IPL, Rohit has had mixed results, totaling 283 runs in 10 innings at an average of 40.42 and a strike rate of 160.79, including two fifties and a best score of 84.