NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has launched a strong defense of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, claiming that some selectors and media sections are “waiting for them to fail” in order to ease the duo out of India’s ODI setup ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Kaif, speaking on his YouTube channel, said both senior batters remain vital to India’s one-day plans, especially on South Africa’s fast and bouncy pitches, where experience and adaptability will be key.
“In the back of their mind, they know people are waiting for them to fail — some selectors, some media people. But now there’s determination in both Virat and Rohit. They want to go on their own terms, not be forced out,” Kaif asserted.
Speculation around Kohli and Rohit’s ODI futures had intensified before their return to international cricket against Australia. A couple of lean outings in Perth and Adelaide further fueled retirement chatter — Kohli registered back-to-back ducks, while Rohit’s 73 off 97 balls drew criticism.
However, the pair responded in trademark style during the third ODI in Sydney, stitching a 168-run unbeaten partnership to lead India to a nine-wicket victory and avoid a series whitewash. Rohit smashed a fluent 121 off 125 balls*, while Kohli anchored the chase with an assured 74 off 81 deliveries*.
Kaif hailed the innings as a message from two legends who are not ready to bow out quietly.
“Look at their faces — calm but focused. That extra determination is visible. They know people are waiting to question them, but they’ve answered in style,” Kaif said.
He further emphasized that both players deserve their spots in the ODI setup heading into the 2027 World Cup.
“You need Rohit and Virat in South Africa. Rohit’s record on bouncy tracks is superb, and Virat thrives in such conditions. They’ve done nothing wrong. Age is just a number — you fix what’s broken, and these two aren’t,” Kaif concluded.
Having retired from T20Is and Tests, ODIs remain the only international format where fans can still watch the Rohit-Virat partnership in full flow. Their dominant Sydney performance was not just about runs — it was a clear statement that the icons of Indian cricket aren’t done yet.
