Mohammad Kaif cites Lionel Messi example to explain why India needs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma at 2027 ODI World Cup
Mohammad Kaif cites Lionel Messi example to explain why India needs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma at 2027 ODI World Cup originally appeared on Cricket News.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Ex-India star Mohammad Kaif backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s experience for tricky 2027 World Cup conditions.
- Compares veteran duo’s value to Lionel Messi’s role for Argentina.
- BCCI already denied Lord’s ODI marks Rohit’s international farewell.
Mohammad Kaif draws parallel with Lionel Messi to explain why India still needs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for 2027 World Cup
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has waded into the ongoing debate surrounding the ODI futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, firmly backing the experienced pair and arguing that India simply cannot afford to do without them heading into the 2027 World Cup across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Speculation has been rife about whether Rohit and Kohli figure in India’s World Cup blueprint, and the rumours have only grown louder over recent weeks, with social media flooded with reports hinting that either or both senior campaigners might be gradually phased out before the tournament arrives.
That said, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had already stepped in to reject suggestions that the third ODI against England at Lord’s would turn out to be Rohit’s swansong in the format.
Now, Kaif chose to speak up in defence of the duo during an appearance on Cricbuzz, stressing that overlooking their experience would be a mistake, particularly given what conditions in South Africa are likely to demand.
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Why does South Africa change everything for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma?
According to Kaif, the 2027 edition will throw up a completely different kind of challenge compared to other editions, which is exactly why seasoned campaigners like Rohit and Kohli become so valuable.
“The 2027 phase will be very important. People are talking about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma because it won’t be an easy World Cup,” Kaif warned.
“The conditions will be different, there will be bouncy pitches, and India will need both these players there. We would definitely want them to play as many matches as possible from now on and remain in good form.”
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Kaif likened the duo’s importance to that of footballing great Lionel Messi, arguing that experienced players often influence a contest in ways that go beyond the scoresheet.
“Lionel Messi is 39 years old and his team has reached the FIFA World Cup final. He didn’t score in the semifinal but provided an (two) assist (s),” he said.
“That’s what experience brings. When you have younger players who can finish the job, experienced players know how to guide them and create opportunities, So just like Messi is for Argentina, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is for India in World Cup.”
Rounding off his argument, Kaif noted that the importance of seasoned players remains constant regardless of which sport you’re discussing, whether it’s football or cricket.
“Whether it’s football or cricket, experience plays a huge role. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are considered among the greatest ODI players, so India will 100 per cent need them, especially under captain Shubman Gill in South African conditions,” Kaif said.
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India need Virat & Rohit in South Africa, experience can’t be replaced overnight
Kaif raises a point worth taking seriously. World Cups are rarely won purely on raw talent; they’re often decided by players who’ve been through high-pressure knockouts before and know how to stay calm when everything is on the line.
South Africa’s bouncy tracks will test technique and temperament in equal measure, exactly the kind of examination Rohit and Kohli have passed repeatedly over the years.
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That said, blind sentiment cannot override form and fitness either. The smarter approach would be a gradual blend, letting youngsters like Jaiswal grow under the guidance of these two rather than an abrupt switch either way.
Kaif’s Messi analogy works well conceptually, but football squads rotate stars differently than cricket manages its batting order.
Still, dismissing proven big-match temperament this early, without a settled succession plan in place, feels like a gamble Indian cricket doesn’t need to take right now.
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