Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has voiced strong support for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, arguing against suggestions that the Indian cricket team should move them aside. Afridi described them as “the backbone of the Indian batting line-up,” and based on their performances in recent ODIs, insists they are still capable of delivering — perhaps even through the next World Cup in 2027.
He emphasized that both players still deserve their spots for major series and big matches. As Afridi put it, “when India is playing against a weaker team, they can try some new players and rest Virat and Rohit.”
Criticism of the Coaching Decisions
Afridi didn’t hold back in calling out the coaching strategies under Gautam Gambhir. He referred to Gambhir’s early tenure as head coach and implied arrogance in his approach:
“The way Gautam started his stint, it looked like he thought that what he thinks and says is right.”
However, Afridi added that recent developments have proved otherwise, saying:
“But after some time, it was proved that you are not always right.”
His remarks reflect a lack of faith in recent coaching calls — especially those that appear to undermine senior players like Kohli and Rohit.
Acknowledging Records — and Their Inevitable Breaking
Afridi also praised Rohit Sharma’s recent feat of surpassing one of his own longstanding records — for most sixes in ODIs — calling it “a great achievement.” He expressed a healthy perspective on records in cricket, noting that “records are set by one player and another player comes and breaks it.”
This touch of sportsmanship underscores Afridi’s broader argument: even if generations change and records fall, what matters is current form, contribution, and reliability — traits he believes Kohli and Rohit continue to offer.
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