NEW DELHI: Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, who is currently representing defending champions Dubai Capitals in the International League T20 (ILT20), has praised Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Naib suggested that both players should continue featuring in all three formats for at least the next four years.
This statement follows Kohli's rise to the second spot in the latest ICC Men's ODI Player Rankings, while Rohit retains the top position. Notably, both cricketers retired from T20 Internationals after India's successful campaigns in the 2024 T20 World Cup and Test series earlier this year.
While speaking to ANI Naib, said, "Both of them are very big players [Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli]. I can only say one thing. I won't talk much about it. They should play in all three formats for at least four years."
Kohli edged closer to the top spot in the ICC Men's ODI rankings following his outstanding performances in India's three-match ODI series against South Africa. The 37-year-old was named Player of the Series after scoring 302 runs across the three matches.
Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, scored 146 runs in the series, maintaining his position at the top of the rankings, with Kohli narrowing the gap to just eight rating points, thanks in part to his unbeaten 65 in the series-deciding match at Vizag.
During the same match, Rohit also became only the fourth Indian cricketer to surpass 20,000 international runs, joining legends Sachin Tendulkar (34,257), Virat Kohli (27,910), and Rahul Dravid (24,064) on the all-time list. At 38, Rohit continues to showcase his remarkable consistency in ODIs.
