Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif reckons the veteran duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have left Indian cricket in safe hands. The star pair decided to retire from T20Is after leading India to glory in the T20 World Cup 2024. 

Virat Kohli scored 4188 runs in 125 T20I matches at an average of 48.7 and a strike rate of 137.04 and finished his T20I career on a high whereas Rohit Sharma finished his T20I career as the leading run-getter in the format, with 4231 runs in 159 matches. 

While Rohit Sharma scored 257 runs in eight matches of the T20 World Cup 2024 at an average of 36.71 and a strike rate of 156.71, Kohli scored a vital knock of 76 runs off 59 balls in the all-important final against the Proteas after a disappointing run throughout the tournament. 

Meanwhile, Tilak Varma scored a majestic knock of 107 runs off just 56 balls in the third T20I against South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Wednesday. Furthermore, Abhishek Sharma scored 50 runs off just 25 balls and added 107 runs with Varma. 

Earlier in the series, Sanju Samson scored a brilliant knock of 107 runs off just 50 balls in the first T20I at Kingsmead, Durban.

Mohammad Kaif wrote on X, “Watching Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson score runs in South Africa’s tough batting conditions must be pleasing for Virat and Rohit. When it comes to T20, they have left Indian cricket in safe hands. #SAvIND.”

On the other hand, Varma celebrated his maiden T20I century by blowing a kiss towards the dugout. When asked about his celebration, the 22-year-old said, “It (flying kiss) was for Suryakumar, our captain. He has given me opportunity to bat at No.3. Because I love to bat at that spot, and last 2 matches I batted at No.4. But before this match, he came to my room and said that ‘you’re going to bat at No.3. It’s a good opportunity, so express yourself’.”

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa will be played at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on Friday.