Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has stepped up in staunch defense of star batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He contends that certain selectors are impatiently waiting for these two cricketing titans to falter, providing an excuse to remove them from India’s One Day International (ODI) squad well before the 2027 World Cup.
Kaif passionately argues that such a sentiment is deeply unfair, stressing that both players are absolutely crucial for the team, especially given their invaluable experience on South Africa’s notoriously fast and bouncy pitches. With Kohli and Rohit having already bid farewell to T20Is and Tests, ODIs currently stand as the primary format where fans can still marvel at their legendary skills.
Whispers about their international future had intensified just before India’s recent three-match ODI series against Australia. Early struggles seemed to fan these flames, with Virat enduring consecutive duck scores and Rohit even being stripped of the ODI captaincy. This led many critics to suggest that their illustrious time in ODIs might finally be drawing to a close.
However, during a thrilling encounter in Sydney on Saturday, Rohit and Virat delivered a powerful reminder of their unparalleled class. After captain Shubman Gill’s modest contribution of 24 runs from 26 balls, the seasoned duo took complete control. Rohit blasted a magnificent 121 not out off just 125 deliveries, while Virat skillfully composed an unbeaten 74 off 81 balls. Their spectacular 168-run partnership, unseparated until the end, guided India to a resounding nine-wicket victory, crucially averting a series whitewash against Australia.
Analyzing their stellar performance, Kaif highlighted the sheer determination radiating from both players. “Deep down, they know there are people, including some selectors and media personalities, who are rooting for their failure. But what we saw was an undeniable resolve from Virat and Rohit. Their focus was calm, yet you could sense the fire within. They are determined to conclude their journey in this format on their own terms, leaving no room for anyone to push them aside,” Kaif explained on his YouTube channel.
This pivotal partnership showcased a perfect blend of cautious strategy, aggressive stroke play, and profound experience. It sent an unequivocal message: both Rohit and Virat are fully committed to playing in the 2027 World Cup and will do so on their own terms. Kaif further underscored their importance for the upcoming South African tour. “Having Rohit and Virat in the squad is non-negotiable because of the immense experience they bring. Rohit excels on bouncy surfaces, and Virat consistently performs well on fast pitches. For them, age is truly just a number. Fans rally behind them because they have done nothing to warrant such scrutiny,” he concluded.
Their commanding display in Sydney firmly cemented Kaif’s conviction that Rohit and Virat are still perfectly capable of delivering match-winning performances and remain absolutely indispensable to India’s aspirations in ODI cricket.