Shahid Afridi slams Gautam Gambhir while praising Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi reignited his feud with Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir while praising veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Afridi said that the two senior batters remain part of India’s lineup and have shown enough form to continue through the 2027 World Cup cycle.

Virat and Rohit have answered every question about their future with performances. Rohit claimed the Player of the Series award in Australia and Kohli won the honours against South Africa at home. The experienced pair will next play in a three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11.

Virat And Rohit Are The Backbone Of The Indian Batting Line-Up - Shahid Afridi

Speaking to Telecom Asia Sport, Shahid Afridi said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can continue leading India’s batting lineup until the 2027 World Cup. Afridi added that India should manage their workload smartly by resting them only in low-pressure series against weaker opponents.

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“It’s a fact that Virat and Rohit are the backbone of the Indian batting line-up. The way they have played in the recent ODI series, it can confidently be said that they can play until the 2027 World Cup,” Afridi said.

“You need to preserve both these stars. When India is playing against a weaker team, they can try some new players and rest Virat and Rohit,” he added.

It Was Proved That You Are Not Always Right - Shahid Afridi Slams Gautam Gambhir

Shahid Afridi slammed Gautam Gambhir for his coaching style. Afridi stated that the early phase of Gambhir has had to come to terms with reality after a successful start.

“The way Gautam started his stint, it looked like he thought that what he thinks and says is right, but after some time, it was proved that you are not always right.”

India have had highs and setbacks under Gambhir. While the team celebrated white-ball success by winning the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup, their red-ball campaign faltered with home Test series defeats to New Zealand and South Africa.

I Knew That One Day Rohit Sharma Would Play For India - Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi also spoke about Rohit Sharma surpassing his long-standing ODI sixes record. Afridi said that he was pleased to see Rohit breaking the record. Rohit moved ahead of Afridi’s 351 sixes during the ODI in Raipur and has pushed the tally to 355.

Afridi recalled his first impressions of Rohit from their IPL days at Deccan Chargers. He added that he always believed Rohit would become a top-tier international batter after watching his batting in the nets during that inaugural season.

“Records are meant to be broken, and this too is now bettered,” Afridi said. “I am happy that a player whom I have always liked has broken this record.”

“During practice sessions, I watched him bat, and his class impressed me. I knew that one day Rohit would play for India, and he has proved himself as a classy batter,” he added.

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