Rahane Explains Rohit and Kohli’s Value to Young India

Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s continued presence in the ODI team offers significant benefits to younger players ahead of India’s 2026 series against New Zealand. Rahane highlighted the experience of the two senior batters, explaining that youngsters can learn valuable lessons by observing them, understanding their approach and asking questions about different match situations.

India are scheduled to face New Zealand in a five-match ODI series, with the opening match set to take place in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4. Rohit is expected to open alongside Shubman Gill, while Kohli is likely to occupy the No. 3 position in the batting order.

Speaking during a series preview on SonyLIV, Rahane was asked how important Rohit and Kohli’s presence would be for the Indian dressing room. The former India batter explained that their experience of playing international cricket for many years gives younger teammates an opportunity to understand how to handle different circumstances.

“You get to learn many things. You learn how to handle every situation. You learn how to take success and failure. Many times, the situation keeps changing in ODI Cricket. So how do you tackle that? Both have such vast experience. They have played so many matches,” Rahane said.

Rahane added that both senior players have experienced almost every kind of situation during their long international careers. According to him, young cricketers should make the most of their presence by approaching them with questions and learning from their knowledge.

“They have been playing for so many years. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have seen everything. No matter how much you learn, it’s less. You need to ask questions as youngsters. Many times, you don’t talk in the middle of the match, but go to both of them and ask questions, and you will get to learn a lot,” he added.

The numbers also underline the experience Rahane was referring to. Rohit Sharma has scored 12,120 runs in 283 ODI innings at an average of 49.26. Virat Kohli has accumulated 15,109 runs in 305 ODI innings at an impressive average of 58.78.

Rahane highlights Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s response to criticism

During the same interaction, Rahane also spoke about the performances of Rohit and Kohli amid recent discussions surrounding their place and future in India’s ODI setup. He said their performances had demonstrated why they continue to be regarded as highly experienced and accomplished players.

“I am extremely excited to see both of them. The excitement used to be the same when we used to play together, the way they used to bat. Given the talk that was happening off the field recently, they have shown why they are such great players,” Rahane said.

Both batters have faced considerable discussion about their roles in Indian Cricket, but Rahane pointed to their performances, attitude and passion as important reasons for their continued value to the team. He also stressed that their presence could benefit not only the younger members of the squad but also captain Shubman Gill.

“They have shown the class they have. They have scored runs, but the attitude and passion with which they play even now, both of them remaining in the team is extremely advantageous for the youngsters and for captain Shubman Gill,” Rahane observed.

Rahane’s comments highlight the importance of experienced players in a team undergoing a leadership transition. With Gill leading the ODI side, having senior figures such as Rohit and Kohli around could provide additional guidance when the team faces challenging situations during the series.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI records in New Zealand

India’s upcoming tour will also provide Rohit and Kohli with another opportunity to add to their records against New Zealand on familiar international cricket grounds. Both batters have previously produced notable performances in the country, although their individual numbers differ.

Rohit Sharma has scored 437 runs in 13 ODI innings in New Zealand, maintaining an average of 36.41. His experience of playing in New Zealand conditions could be valuable as India prepare for the five-match series.

Virat Kohli, meanwhile, has accumulated 596 runs at an average of 49.67 in 13 ODI innings against the Kiwis in their backyard. His record reflects his ability to contribute runs against New Zealand in challenging away conditions.

The upcoming series will therefore offer both senior batters an opportunity to contribute with the bat while helping the next generation of Indian cricketers gain experience. Their expected positions at the top of the batting order will also give Gill and the rest of the squad an opportunity to build partnerships around two established international performers.

Shubman Gill’s leadership and the value of senior players

For Shubman Gill, the presence of Rohit and Kohli could be important beyond their contributions with the bat. Leading an ODI side involves making decisions about bowling changes, field placements, batting strategies and responses to changing match conditions. Experienced teammates can offer useful perspectives in such situations.

Rohit has previously captained India in international cricket, while Kohli has extensive experience as a former captain and senior batter. Their understanding of different match situations could help Gill as he continues to develop his leadership approach.

Rahane’s emphasis on asking questions is particularly relevant for younger players. Rather than simply observing senior cricketers, youngsters can learn more by discussing their decisions, understanding how they respond to pressure and examining how they approach both successful and difficult performances.

India prepare for five-match ODI series against New Zealand

India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand will be an important opportunity for the team to assess its combinations and build momentum. With Rohit and Kohli expected to feature alongside Gill, the batting lineup will combine international experience with younger leadership.

The opening match in Auckland on November 4 will begin the contest, with both teams looking to make a strong start. India’s senior batters will be expected to contribute runs, while the younger members of the squad will have opportunities to learn from their experience throughout the series.

Rahane’s assessment makes clear that he sees Rohit and Kohli’s value as extending beyond their individual statistics. Their knowledge of ODI cricket, understanding of pressure situations and continued commitment to the game could offer important lessons to India’s emerging players.

As India prepare for the New Zealand challenge, the focus will be on performances and results on the field. At the same time, the opportunity for younger players to learn from two of the country’s most experienced ODI batters could be another significant aspect of the series.