Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif made a bold statement about Team India following their nine-wicket win over South Africa in the third ODI on Saturday, December 6, which secured India the three-match series 2-1. Kaif highlighted the crucial role of senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, suggesting that India would struggle to win the 2027 ODI World Cup without them.
Reflecting on Kohli’s performance, Kaif said the star batter sent a strong message in this series and could continue playing even beyond 2027 if he maintains his current form.
“After scoring two back-to-back hundreds, Kohli was walking and scoring runs today and hitting shots. He was ready to score three hundreds as well. He is playing to make a statement. The intent he showed today shows that whatever doubt you have about 2027, he will go beyond that as well. Leave 2027, he will play more and without him, and Rohit, you can never win the World Cup,” he said on his YouTube channel.
Kohli’s Blitz 65 And Rohit’s 75 Lead India To Victory
Virat Kohli played a sensational unbeaten 65 from only 45 deliveries, hitting six fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 144.44. Mohammad Kaif also lauded Rohit Sharma for his steady and impactful innings, in which he scored 75 runs off 73 balls, including seven boundaries and three sixes.
“Rohit never played like this before. He saw the situation and took time. He was also trying to hit boundaries every 15-20 balls. He did not look to play a cameo but a big knock. He is not the captain now. Now he is looking to play long. He is valuing his wicket a lot more now. Rohit is also showing that he can play big and can take the challenge,” he added.
Kohli and Rohit played key roles in India’s ODI series win over South Africa. Kohli amassed 302 runs across three matches, averaging 151, while Rohit contributed 146 runs at an average of 48.66, including two half-centuries.
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