Kiran More Supports Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Continued ODI Careers

Kiran More Backs Rohit and Kohli for Future ODIs

In Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, former Indian cricketer and chief selector Kiran More expressed his support for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, emphasizing that these two cricketing icons should continue their international careers as long as they maintain their form and fitness. More highlighted their immense popularity and the joy they bring to fans while playing.

Following the Indian Premier League (IPL), both players, known as 'Ro-Ko', will don the ODI jersey again for a three-match home series against Afghanistan starting June 14.

Despite their legendary status, discussions about their future in the ODI setup for the 2027 World Cup have intensified with every minor dip in performance or fitness issue. Kohli faced challenges last year, recording two consecutive ducks against Australia, while Rohit struggled in an ODI series against New Zealand and dealt with hamstring issues that limited his participation with the Mumbai Indians.

During a conversation on the sidelines of the Beyond Reach Premier League (BRPL) trials in Ghaziabad, More stated, "These two are legends, and it is a pleasure to watch them play. There should be no discussions about their retirement. They should continue as long as they perform well and stay fit. As long as they can run and score, they should keep playing. I cherish watching them, and many fans adore these exceptional players. When Sachin retired, it brought tears to my eyes. The day these two leave will be a significant loss as well, but that decision will be theirs to make."

In his ODI career, Kohli has amassed 14,797 runs in 311 matches, averaging 58.71 with 54 centuries and 77 fifties, boasting a top score of 183. He concluded last year with 651 runs in 13 ODIs, averaging 65.10, and started 2026 with 240 runs in three innings at an impressive average of 80.00.

On the other hand, Rohit has scored 11,577 runs in 282 ODIs, averaging 48.84 with 33 centuries and 61 fifties, including a remarkable high score of 264. Last year, he was the second-highest run-scorer for India in ODIs, accumulating 650 runs in 14 matches at an average of 50.00. This year, however, he has only managed 61 runs in three innings.

In the ongoing IPL, Rohit has had a mixed performance, scoring 283 runs in 10 innings at an average of 40.42, with a strike rate of 160.79, including two fifties and a top score of 84.