India are set to welcome back two of their most experienced players as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return to the ODI setup for the upcoming series against the West Indies. The experienced duo were included in the squad after being away from the format since India’s ODI series against South Africa in 2025.
With Kohli and Rohit back in the side, attention has also turned towards the experience they can bring to a team that has Shubman Gill leading the ODI side. India bowling coach Morne Morkel recently spoke about the importance of having the senior players around the younger members of the squad.
Morne Morkel talks about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s return
Morkel welcomed the return of Kohli and Rohit and highlighted the experience they bring to the Indian dressing room. He also praised Gill for the way he has handled his responsibilities as the team’s ODI captain. The bowling coach also pointed out that different players can have different senior teammates they feel comfortable approaching. According to Morkel, having experienced players around gives the younger members of the squad an opportunity to learn from them.
“It is always great to have that experience back in the team. Just to guide Shubman as well, I must say Shubman has done an exceptional job so far leading the team,” Morkel said.
Kohli and Rohit have been two of India’s most experienced ODI players for more than a decade. Kohli has scored more than 14,000 runs in the format, while Rohit is closing in on the 12,000-run mark.
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India encouraging youngsters to learn from senior players
Morkel also revealed that the Indian team encourages its senior players to share their experience during team meetings. The coaching staff gives them opportunities to contribute and help the younger members of the squad. Kohli and Rohit’s return comes after India’s 1-2 ODI series defeat to England in July.
“We always throw out as many questions as possible in team meetings for the senior guys to speak and to share their experience,” Morkel added.
Their experience will now be part of the setup as India prepare for the upcoming West Indies ODIs, with the senior duo also having a chance to work alongside Gill in his leadership role.
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