ICC Champions Trophy 2025: 'Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma are not going to play...' - Huge warning issued
Published - 22 Jan 2025, 03:30 PM | Updated - 22 Jan 2025, 03:31 PM
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As India gears up for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has highlighted the importance of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the upcoming tournament amidst the heavy criticism over their poor form with the bat.
With both the Indian batting icons nearing the twilight of their careers—Rohit at 37 and Kohli at 36—Kaif feels the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 may be the final opportunity to see the veteran players dominate on the grand stage.
Mohammad Kaif urges fans to support Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as they near career twilight
The former Indian batter has urged the critics to give their blessings to both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, not hate, as they are two of the greatest white-ball players, and they are just nearing their retirement, so they deserve only love and support at this stage.
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After the Indian cricket team lost the ODI World Cup final last year, the pain was visible in them, and they were determined to win the T20 World Cup 2024. Mohammed Kaif said that the iconic picture of Sharma and Kohli holding the tricolor after the triumph is etched in his mind.
Kaif also noted that Kohli and Rohit’s determination was evident when the duo helped India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, and he believes their contributions in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be no different, so the fans must show some patience and respect.
India needs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Mohammad Kaif
The commentator has emphasized that Rohit’s aggressive start and Kohli’s ability to anchor innings will be crucial for India’s success in the upcoming prestigious tournament. Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel: “Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli holding the tricolor, the picture is etched in my mind because India lost the ODI World Cup final. The two looked determined to win the T20 World Cup. They went and won there.”
Kaif further said, “You need Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the Champions Trophy. One is 37 years old, and another is 36 years old. They are not going to play longer. Whatever they play, give them your blessings because they are great players of white-ball cricket who won’t play too long. They will contribute. If they play well, then only you’ll be able to win matches in Dubai. Rohit provides the start by batting faster in the beginning, and Virat Kohli uses that start to bat till the end and scores there. Give them your love.”
Mohammad Kaif warns India while predicting South Africa’s batting domination in Pakistan
Meanwhile, Mohammad Kaif also shared his views on the different pitch conditions in Dubai and Pakistan. The cricket pundit has pointed out that batting is more challenging in Dubai, where the average first-innings score in recent games is around 198. However, Kaif feels batting is much easier in Pakistan, with flat tracks allowing for high scores, averaging nearly 300.
The former Indian cricketer also predicted that the South African players like Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram can dominate due to the batter-friendly conditions in Pakistan. He believes that in such conditions, the best bowling team will have the edge in the eight-nation tournament, warning India against the low scores.
Kaif signed off by saying, “Batting is tough in Dubai as compared to Pakistan. So, India needs to bat well to win the match. South Africa will score 450 in every game because the conditions are too good for batting. The ball doesn’t turn; use your feet and hit. So, whichever team bowls well will win in Pakistan.”
