‘People are waiting for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to fail’: IND vs AUS ODI exploits follow shocking remarks | Cricket News

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has strongly defended Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, insisting that some selectors are eagerly waiting for the duo to falter so that they can be dropped from India’s ODI set-up ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Kaif believes such a narrative is unfair and stresses that both players are vital to the team, especially given their experience on the fast and bouncy pitches of South Africa. With Kohli and Rohit having retired from T20Is and Tests, ODIs remain the primary platform for fans to witness their mastery.

Speculation over their international future was growing ahead of India’s three-match ODI series in Australia. The first setbacks fueled the rumors, with Virat scoring consecutive ducks and Rohit being stripped of the ODI captaincy. Critics have suggested that their time in ODIs may be coming to an end.However, in Saturday’s clash in Sydney, Rohit and Virat reminded everyone of their class. After the captain Shubman Gil having managed just 24 off 26 balls, the veteran pair took charge. Rohit smashed a total of 121 not out off 125 deliveries while Virat orchestrated a compound 74 not out off 81 balls. Their unbeaten 168-run partnership took India to a nine-wicket victory, ensuring the team avoided a whitewash against Australia.Kaif analyzed the performance, highlighting the determination displayed. “Deep in their minds, they know that people are waiting for them to fail. There are selectors and media people. But now, there is a clear determination in Virat and Rohit too. Look at their focus: they were calm, but you can see the fire. They want to go on their own terms in this format and not give anyone a chance to throw them out,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.The partnership combined caution, aggression and experience, sending a clear message that both Rohit and Virat intend to play the 2027 World Cup on their own terms. Kaif stressed the importance of having them in the South African team. “It is a must to have Rohit and Virat in the team because of the experience they bring. Rohit thrives on bouncy tracks and Virat bowls well on fast pitches. Age is just a number for them. People support them because they have done nothing wrong,” he added.The performance in Sydney reinforced Kaif’s belief that Rohit and Virat are still capable of producing match-winning innings and remain indispensable to India’s ODI ambitions.