Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to be present during selection meetings after India won the first ODI against South Africa by 17 runs. While Rohit scored a decent knock of 57 runs against the Proteas, Kohli scored a match-winning knock of 135 runs off 120 balls at Ranchi on Sunday.
Kaif said Rohit and Kohli should be given the liberty to leave on their terms as long as they are performing at the top stage. The former UP batter said it is unfair if the experts are expecting Rohit and Virat to prove their mettle ahead of the ODI World Cup 2027.
Rohit and Virat have performed consistently in the 50-over version and have done a terrific job for the team.
“Virat and Rohit are at a stage where they should get the luxury to leave on their terms. This is why people are upset because they have given so much to Indian cricket over the years. When they are asked to prove themselves for the 2027 World Cup and are being judged, you are placing them on par with everyone else. People do not like this, and that is why there are reactions on social media. These two should be given the freedom,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
Kaif noted that people are not happy with the treatment, which Kohli and Rohit have received in the recent past.
“They should even sit while selection calls are taken. You can agree or disagree with them, but at least have them there. They are at that stage. Their best use would be made like this if they were at the core. Obviously, people are not happy with how they are being treated. They are scoring runs and winning games. What is the need to judge them?”
On the other hand, the Natwest Trophy final hero questioned Rohit Sharma’s sacking as ODI captain. Rohit had a terrific record as a leader but Shubman Gill was appointed as India’s new skipper in the 50-over version.
“I still did not understand the logic of removing Rohit as captain. Just look at the energy of the team when these two have returned. Even the basics are being followed on the field. Good calls were made on the field, and Virat and Rohit were giving inputs constantly,” he said.
Kaif hailed Rohit’s selfless approach as he didn’t waste a review when he was plumbed in front of the wickets by Marco Jansen in the opening ODI.
“The way Rohit did not go for the review shows these guys are selfless and playing for the team. Usually, batters do take reviews in such situations. The way he was batting and the partnership that he was in, it was okay to even burn a review, and no one would tell anything. But he is selfless. Even someone like Sehwag would keep one review for himself. There are many who take those reviews like that. Here, Rohit could have taken it anyway. But both senior players had a discussion, and Rohit walked away. There was no emotion and only logic there.”
The second ODI between India and South Africa will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur on Wednesday.
