Mohammad Kaif backs Rohit Sharma to play in 2027 ODI World Cup

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has put his weight behind Rohit Sharma to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Recently, Rohit was removed from ODI captaincy with Shubman Gill replacing him at the helm.

Rohit had a successful record as ODI captain, leading India in 56 ODIs, out of which the team won 42 matches, lost 12, tied one, and had one no-result. Rohit has all the experience in the 50-over version and has delivered consistently at the top of the order.

Kaif said Rohit’s experience will be needed in the ODI showpiece, which will be played in South Africa and Namibia.

Speaking on a live YouTube session, Mohammad Kaif said, “He will definitely play, boss. Look, the captaincy may have been taken away from him, but I believe that as an opener, Rohit Sharma will do his job. You need an experienced batter in the side. You can’t go to South Africa, where the World Cup will be played, with an entirely young team. Sometimes in those seaming conditions, the ball moves a lot and the pitches are bouncy. If you take only new players there, they’ll get exposed.”

“That’s why I feel you need a player who can handle the bounce, who can pull and cut the rising deliveries just like Rohit Sharma does. On those kinds of pitches, I believe Rohit Sharma will perform even better. His batting style as an opener suits such conditions perfectly. He plays the rising ball, the one that bounces from the front, extremely well. Among all the players you can name, Rohit Sharma is the only one who handles that rising delivery so effectively,” he added.

Kaif added that India would need experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the ODI team. While Rohit Sharma has amassed 11,168 runs in 273 ODI matches at an impressive average of 48.77, Kohli has aggregated 14,181 runs in 302 ODI games at a stunning average of 57.88; thus, their records speak for themselves.

“Just look at his numbers, his years of experience. On a big stage like the World Cup, you need players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, players who have seen the world and experienced ups and downs. In a tournament like the World Cup, you’re going to lose a game or two in between, then you’ll need to make a comeback. You’ll face those do-or-die matches where you must win to reach the quarterfinals or top four. In such crucial situations, the roles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli become absolutely vital.”

Kohli and Rohit will be seen in action in the three-match ODI series against Australia.