Mohammad Kaif backs Rohit Sharma to play till the 2027 World Cup

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has put his weight behind skipper Rohit Sharma to play till the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit decided to retire from the T20I format after leading India to glory in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

However, Rohit could not deliver on the Australian tour, managing 31 runs in three Test matches at an average of 6.20. Kaif observed that Rohit’s place in the Test team could be under scrutiny but he would keep on playing in the ODI format.

Rohit needs another 12 runs to complete 11000 runs in the ODI version and he will become the second fastest after Virat Kohli to get to the milestone.

Furthermore, Rohit has been leading from the front and played a key role in taking India to the 2023 ODI World Cup final in home conditions as he scored 597 runs in 11 matches at an average of 54.27. 

Kaif wrote on X, “What Rohit Sharma has done as a captain is not everyone’s cup of tea. He led his team to the final of the 2023 World Cup. We haven’t played a lot of ODI cricket after that. God forbid, even if India play badly, the coaches may be in trouble but not Rohit Sharma. In Tests, you may look for a change, but in ODIs, there is no question about his place.”

“He has been in great form, hit a century and has captained the team really well. He has a fantastic ODI record if we look at the winning percentage. So, I feel even if the Indian team performs badly, Rohit Sharma will remain safe and continue playing till 2027 World Cup.”

Rohit recently scored a match-winning knock of 119 runs off just 90 balls in the second ODI against England at Cuttack and he would look to keep up the good show in the Champions Trophy.

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.