"No matter how much you learn, it's less" - Ajinkya Rahane on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's importance ahead of NZ vs IND 2026 ODIs

Former India player Ajinkya Rahane has opined that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's presence in the Men in Blue's ODI team would benefit the youngsters immensely. He pointed out that the other players can learn a lot by seeking answers from the experienced duo.

India will face New Zealand in a five-match ODI series, with the first game scheduled in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4. While Rohit is expected to open the batting with Shubman Gill, Kohli is likely to bat at No. 3.

Previewing the series on SonyLIV, Rahane was asked about the importance of Rohit and Kohli's presence in the Indian ODI side.

"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," the former India batter responded.

"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.

Rohit Sharma has amassed 12,120 runs at an average of 49.26 in 283 ODI innings. Virat Kohli has scored 15,109 runs at an average of 58.78 in 305 ODI innings.

"Given the talk that was happening off the field recently, they have shown why they are such great players" - Ajinkya Rahane on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

In the same interaction, Ajinkya Rahane noted that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have silenced their critics with their performances.

"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," he said.

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that the former Indian captains' presence will also help 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.

Rohit Sharma has scored 437 runs at an average of 36.41 in 13 ODI innings in New Zealand. Virat Kohli has aggregated 596 runs at an average of 49.67 in 13 ODI innings against the Kiwis in their backyard.

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