Kaif backed Rohit and Kohli to play in the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.
Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has thrown his weight behind Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, claiming that certain 'selectors' are waiting for the duo to "fail" to completely sideline them from the ODI setup ahead of 2027 World Cup.
While highlighting the narrative that has been built against Rohit and Kohli, Kaif reckons they are a "must" in the squad for the quadrennial showpiece on South Africa's bouncy pitches due to their experience.
Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Rohit and Kohli have now become one-format players. The three-match ODI series against Australia marked their return to international cricket after seven months.
On Saturday (October 25), the veteran campaigners turned back the clock with a 168-run partnership in what could be their Australian swansongs as India thrashed the hosts by nine wickets at SCG.
Rohit’s magnificent 121* off 125 balls, studded with 13 fours and three sixes, showcased his power, while Kohli’s composed 74* off 81 balls demonstrated his excellent strike rotation and calculated risk-taking abilities in the chase of 237. The legendary pair’s stunning display in Sydney helped India avoid a series whitewash against Australia.
After the game, Kaif said Rohit and Kohli appear determined to bow out on their terms rather than being forced out.
"In the back of their mind, they know that people are waiting for them to fail. There are selectors and some media people. Ab to zid bhi hai Virat Kohli ki, Rohit Sharma ki (both of them are determined). Look at their face, they appeared focused but calm. They have that extra determination. They will be determined to go on their terms in this format and not to give anyone a chance to remove them from the team," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
"In South Africa, it is a must to have Rohit and Virat in the squad because of the experience they bring along. You need Rohit Sharma on South Africa's bouncy track. Same with Virat. He plays well on fast, bouncy strips. Rohit Sharma has shown that age is just a number. You only fix things when they're broken. People support Rohit and Virat because they know they haven't done anything wrong," he added.
With his ton at SCG, Rohit Sharma became only the 10th man in history to smash 50 international centuries. It was his 33rd ODI hundred and he also has 12 Test tons and five T20I centuries to his name.
During the Sydney innings, Virat Kohli added another feather to his cap as he became the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs. The 36-year-old went past Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara’s 14,234 runs when he reached 54* in the 32nd over of the second innings.
Kohli now has 14,255 runs in 305 ODIs, achieved in just 293 innings, with a highest score of 183. His record includes 51 centuries (most by any batsman) and 75 half-centuries at an average of 57.71. Only Sachin Tendulkar remains ahead of him with a staggering 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs.