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Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has strongly reacted to the buzz around the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies. Kaif believes that the captain, Shubman Gill, has finally brought clarity to the situation.
Ahead of the first ODI against the West Indies on Sunday, September 27, Gill has made it clear that Rohit and Kohli's experience will be important for India in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
And Kaif believes the captain's statement has ended much of the uncertainty around the former captains’ dreams of playing in the World Cup. Earlier, Good news for India: Shubman Gill cleared to play 1st ODI vs West Indies.
Mohammad Kaif makes big claim on Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli future after Shubman Gill’s statement
Mohammad Kaif feels Shubman Gill's support for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is a major development. He believes the captain's opinion carries great importance in team decisions and that Rohit and Kohli should no longer have to prove their place in every series.
The former India batter also predicted that both Rohit and Kohli will play in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. Kaif feels their recent performances have answered many questions about their future, although more criticism could follow whenever they fail to score runs. Amid this, India coach reveals being kept in dark over Ravindra Jadeja’s ODI return.
'No more constant Tests for Rohit and Kohli'
Kaif said on his YouTube channel, "Gill, the captain, had given a statement which I liked. He was reluctant to talk about it before, but his recent statement, where he said we need Rohit and Virat's experience in South Africa and they are important for the team, I liked it. Sometimes, it is the captain who runs the team, not the coach or selectors.”
He added, “I think he realized at the right time, and now I don't think each series will be a test for them. There is clarity now after the captain's statement. Maybe he would not have said it; both of them scored runs and answered the questions with their performance. If they get out, the questions will still be there. But after this statement, I feel both will play; both are needed.”
Mohammad Kaif makes stunning Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma remark
Kaif has been particularly impressed with Kohli's recent batting form. Despite being 37, the former India captain has continued to score big runs and remains in top form.
In his last 10 ODI innings, Virat Kohli has scored three centuries and five half-centuries. His scores include 74 not out, 135, 102, 65 not out, 93, 23, 124, 5, 65, and 74.
Kaif feels Virat Kohli is currently slightly ahead of Rohit because of his outstanding consistency. However, he also praised Rohit's recent performances, including his century at Lord's.
He further added, “I don't think Virat has been in such solid form before. In the 10-12 innings, he is scoring 100s, 60s, and 70s. He is showing that he is at his peak even at 37. Rohit also scored a hundred at Lord's. I keep Virat slightly ahead, as he is in solid form. But both of them have done well and have answered the questions. It is the right way to set an example.”
