Rohit Sharma scored 79 runs in the third IND v AFG ODI in Chennai.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif slammed critics for rejoicing at a few low scores in recent ODIs by legendary opener Rohit Sharma. He further added that one shouldn’t judge his class by such innings, and recalled how many matches and trophies he has won with contributions from his bat.
Kaif's words came after Rohit Sharma made 79 runs in the third and final ODI between India and Afghanistan, helping India win by 9 wickets and pocket the series 3-0. He added 170 runs for the first wicket with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made 110*.
Before this knock, Rohit Sharma had made 16 and 48 in the first two ODIs respectively, and his last 10 innings (starting from October 2025) included one century and two other scores of 75 or more.
Rohit is not getting any younger at 39. Rohit will be older than forty when the ODI World Cup is held in 2027. However, former India player Mohammad Kaif believes that form, not age, should determine his spot in the team.
"Can't really understand why so many people want Rohit Sharma to fail. It is admirable how he has taken this challenge head-on. He has led India to the Champions Trophy, scored against Australia and NZ, and now made 79 against Afghanistan. A few low scores here and there can't judge his class. As cricket fans, we should wish that he carries this form into the 2027 World Cup. India needs the experience of Rohit and also Virat Kohli," Mohammad Kaif wrote in a post on X.
There was growing impatience with Rohit Sharma, who was Player of the Series in Australia some time back, but endured a lean run at home in recent times. Rohit needed a substantial innings to keep the growing competition for his place at bay for the time being, and these 79 runs will give him a lot of confidence in India’s next ODI assignment.
India will next play England in a series of three ODIs, starting July 14 in England.