Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif has appealed to the national selectors to avoid making decisions on the futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli based on just two or three innings. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif opined that Rohit’s performance in the recent IND vs AUS ODI series should not be the sole criterion for selection going forward.
Kaif pointed out that Rohit Sharma’s impact lies in his ability to deliver match-winning performances in big games rather than consistent scoring. He contrasted this with Virat Kohli’s consistency across formats, emphasizing that while Kohli brings steadiness, Rohit contributes crucial knocks during key moments. The series marks the duo’s first appearance since the Champions Trophy 2025.
Kaif also reflected on Kohli’s Test retirement, claiming it was driven by his struggles against deliveries outside the off-stump and internal team issues. He said the lack of support from coaches and management made Kohli feel unwanted, ultimately leading to his decision to step away from red-ball cricket.