'People are waiting for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to fail': IND vs AUS ODI heroics follow shocking remarks

Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif defends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, suggesting selectors await their failure for ODI removal before the 2027 World Cup. He highlighted their match-winning partnership in Sydney, proving their enduring class and determination to depart on their own terms. Kaif stressed their vital experience on South Africa's challenging pitches, deeming them indispensable.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (Photo by Ayush Kumar/Getty Images)

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has come out in strong defence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, insisting that some selectors are eagerly waiting for the duo to falter so they can be removed from India’s ODI setup ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Kaif believes such a narrative is unfair and emphasises that both players are essential for the squad, particularly given their experience on South Africa’s fast and bouncy pitches. With Kohli and Rohit having retired from T20Is and Tests, ODIs remain the primary platform for fans to witness their mastery.

Why Virat Kohli in India XI for World Cup 2027 will be bad news | Greenstone Lobo predicts

Speculation about their international future had been growing ahead of India’s three-match ODI series in Australia. Early setbacks fueled the rumours, with Virat scoring consecutive ducks and Rohit being stripped of the ODI captaincy. Critics suggested that their time in ODIs might be coming to an end. However, in Saturday’s clash in Sydney, Rohit and Virat reminded everyone of their class. After captain Shubman Gill managed only 24 from 26 balls, the veteran pair took charge. Rohit smashed a blistering 121 not out from 125 deliveries while Virat orchestrated a composed 74 not out off 81 balls. Their unbeaten 168-run partnership steered India to a nine-wicket victory, ensuring the team avoided a whitewash against Australia. Kaif analysed the performance, highlighting the determination on display. “In the back of their minds, they know people are waiting for them to fail. There are selectors and some media people. But now there is also a clear determination in Virat and Rohit. Look at their focus—they were calm, but you can see the fire. They want to leave on their own terms in this format and not give anyone a chance to push them out,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel. The partnership combined caution, aggression, and experience, sending a clear message that both Rohit and Virat are intent on playing the 2027 World Cup on their own terms. Kaif stressed the importance of having them in the South African squad. “It is a must to have Rohit and Virat in the team because of the experience they bring. Rohit thrives on bouncy tracks, and Virat plays well on fast pitches. Age is just a number for them. People support them because they haven’t done anything wrong,” he added. The performance in Sydney reinforced Kaif’s belief that Rohit and Virat are still capable of producing match-winning innings and that they remain indispensable to India’s ODI ambitions.

End of Article

Click here to read article