Ajit Agarkar grilled with tough questions over Rohit Sharma’s sacking: "Why move on when..."

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should have retained Rohit Sharma as ODI captain until the ICC World Cup 2027 in Africa. Kaif stated that the Indian cricket board should have waited for the next World Cup before bringing on the transition period.

There have been speculations regarding the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, with debates on whether they should continue playing for the team until the World Cup. The duo are set to make their comeback to international cricket during the upcoming three-match series in Australia, starting on October 19.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Set to Return to International Cricket

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli haven’t played international cricket since the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. Both have impressive records in the 50-over format in Australia, with Rohit scoring 1,328 runs in 30 ODIs and Kohli amassing 1,327 runs in 29 matches.

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Notably, Rohit and Virat were India’s top scorers in the 2023 ODI World Cup at home, with 597 and 765 runs, respectively. They also played key roles in India’s 2025 Champions Trophy triumph, where the team won all five matches.

The three-match ODI series will kick off at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, followed by matches at Adelaide Oval on October 23 and Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25. After the ODI series, both teams will shift focus to a five-match T20I series.

I Wanted Rohit Sharma to Keep Leading the Team - Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif said that Rohit and Virat should play with the team until the World Cup. Kaif stated that Rohit led India to the finals of three ICC events in three years, winning two, and added that age should not overshadow performance.

“I would have requested them not to leave because they have achieved so much for the country. Rohit led us to the finals of three ICC events, winning two of them, in three years. I’m his big fan and I wanted him to keep leading the team. People often cite his age, but I focus on stats," Kaif told News18 India.

Rohit Sharma Is Ticking All the Boxes - Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif emphasized that Rohit Sharma has the ability to score runs and build a positive team environment. He stated that his leadership could still guide India to another title during the 2027 World Cup.

"As a captain, he is scoring runs, building a healthy team environment. So, even if he turns 41 during the 2027 World Cup, I will look at his capability of leading the side to yet another title victory. So, why move on when he is ticking all the boxes? Do it after the 2027 World Cup," Kaif continued.

“So, if I may, I will have a proper communication with both of them, can even go to their home and speak to them if needed. That’s the kind of aura they have," he concluded.

Also read: Virat Kohli’s hilarious mimicry act with India teammates ahead of Australia ODIs breaks the internet