Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma? Suresh Raina makes big revelation - 'Became the GOAT'

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has picked Virat Kohli at the top of his list as he named the five players who, in his opinion, have had the greatest influence on Indian cricket. Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube podcast, Raina praised Kohli’s transformation of the game both on and off the field. “The five players who, in my view, have had the biggest impact on Indian cricket are: First, Virat Kohli. The way he transformed the fitness culture, the way he became a GOAT and went on to score more than 50 centuries shows how different his attitude was. Scoring hundreds almost every other match changed the atmosphere inside the dressing room,” Raina said.

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Kohli, who stepped away from T20 internationals in 2024 and announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier this year, continues to remain central to India’s ODI plans.

Both he and captain Rohit Sharma are set to feature in the upcoming ODI series against Australia in October. Kohli also achieved a long-awaited milestone last season, winning his maiden IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Raina said Kohli’s contribution extended beyond his runs. By setting new benchmarks in fitness, Kohli inspired an entire generation of cricketers to adopt higher physical standards.

For Raina, Kohli’s influence wasn’t limited to statistics. He credited the former captain for creating a culture of belief and intensity in the Indian dressing room as well. While Raina also mentioned other names who shaped Indian cricket, it was Kohli who, in his eyes, stood out as the biggest symbol of change.