India’s legendary duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to make any impact with the bat in the first ODI against Australia which disappointed not only fans but the former cricketers as well.
Mohammed Kaif, the former Indian cricketer, was also upset with poor performance of Rohit and Virat in the first ODI and he shared a piece of advice for both the batters.
Mohammed Kaif believes that if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli truly wish to represent India in the 2027 ODI World Cup, they must stay committed to play regularly and maintain their hunger for the game. He said that both the senior players may need to bring their ego down and participate in more matches beyond just the occasional ODIs, which have become less frequent in recent years.
Mohammed Kaif’s comments came after both the stalwarts failed to make an impact in the opening match against Australia. Rohit Sharma managed just eight runs, while Virat Kohli was dismissed for a duck. Kaif observed that Rohit did not appear to be in his usual rhythm and seemed less engaged on the field, suggesting that the duo might need more match practice to regain their flow.
He explained that if the two legends still have the passion to play, they must show it by staying active and making themselves available for more series. Mohammed Kaif emphasised that maintaining rhythm and form is crucial for top players, especially as they get older and the game continues to evolve. He pointed out that the issue is not about skill, both are exceptional cricketers but it is about consistency and commitment.
Citing their impressive records, Mohammed Kaif reminded fans that Rohit has amassed over 11,000 ODI runs in 274 matches with 32 centuries, while Kohli has scored 51 hundreds in the format. However, Kaif added that reputation alone isn’t enough, continuous involvement keeps a player sharp.
He also stated that Virat Kohli, in particular, should not face questions about his place in the team after a few poor outings. Instead, proper planning and communication are needed to ensure that both the players remain motivated. Mohammed Kaif suggested that if Virat Kohli truly wants to play the 2027 World Cup, he must stay connected with Indian cricket regularly, not just through major tournaments like the IPL.
Mohammed Kaif’s words serve as both a reminder and encouragement that greatness must be maintained through passion, effort and presence, not just through past achievements.
