Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has criticized the people who are questioning veteran opener Rohit Sharma's place in the ODI team after his knock against Afghanistan. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that judging Rohit based on a few low scores ignores his proven record and value to the Indian team.
India completed a 3-0 series sweep with a dominant nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on June 20. Rohit played a key role in the win, scoring 79 runs off 69 balls. The Shubman Gill-led team comfortably chased down the 219-run target with more than 21 overs to spare.
Can't Really Understand Why So Many People Want Rohit Sharma to Fail - Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif stated he does not understand why many people want Rohit Sharma to fail. Kaif added that Rohit has the ability to handle pressure in major tournaments.
"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, NZ and now his 79 against Afghanistan."
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, NZ and now his 79 against Afghanistan. A few low scores here and there can't judge…
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 20, 2026
Rohit played a key role in India's victory in the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai, scoring 79 off 69 balls. He shared a strong opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who remained unbeaten on 110 off 86 balls as India chased down the target in just 28.4 overs.
A Few Low Scores Here And There - Mohammad Kaif Backs Rohit Sharma Ahead of 2027 World Cup
Mohammad Kaif said that a few poor scores should not define a player of Rohit Sharma's quality. The former India cricketer urged fans to support Rohit and expressed hope that the veteran opener carries his form into the 2027 ODI World Cup.
"A few low scores here and there can't judge his class. As a cricket fan we should wish that he carries the form to the 2027 World Cup. India needs the experience of Rohit and also Virat Kohli."
Rohit had a mixed start to the ODI series against Afghanistan. He was run out for 16 in Dharamshala after a mix-up with Shubman Gill and then scored 48 off 39 balls in Lucknow before Rashid Khan dismissed him. The opener finished the three-match series with 143 runs at a strike rate of 115.32.
Selection Headache for India as Top-Order Trio Impress Against Afghanistan
The strong form of Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the ODI series against Afghanistan has given the team management a selection headache. With all three batters performing well at the top of the order, deciding the ideal opening combination for future matches will not be easy.
Jaiswal received opportunities during the series because Virat Kohli missed the matches with an injury. The team management also rested KL Rahul for the final ODI in Chennai.
Afghanistan were bowled out for 218 in 44.2 overs despite a brilliant century from captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. He scored 102 off 131 balls, while Azmatullah Omarzai added 50 off 56 deliveries.
Prasidh Krishna starred with the ball and claimed his maiden ODI five-wicket haul to help bowl out Afghanistan. He won the Player of the Match award, while Shubman Gill was named Player of the Series. India's next assignment is a three-match ODI series in England starting on July 14.
