Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi criticised any attempts to move on from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India’s ODI setup, insisting the pair remain the core of the batting unit and should be backed until the 2027 World Cup.
IN SPOTLIGHT: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: @BCCI/X
Afridi told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).
It’s a fact that Virat and Rohit are the backbones of the Indian batting line-up, and the way they have played in the recent ODI series, it can confidently be said that they can play until the 2027 World Cup.
‘Preserve Them for Big Series’
Afridi urged India to manage the workloads of their star batters wisely.
Afridi
You need to preserve both these players. When India face weaker teams, they can try some new players and rest Virat and Rohit.
Jibe at Gambhir’s Early Coaching Approach
The former all-rounder also took a swipe at India head coach Gautam Gambhir, with whom he had several on-field clashes during his playing days.
Afridi
The way Gautam started his stint, it looked like he thought whatever he says is right. But after some time it is proved that you are not always right.
Praises Rohit for Surpassing His Sixes Record
Afridi expressed delight at Rohit surpassing his ODI sixes record.
Afridi
Records are meant to be broken and this too is now bettered. I am happy that a player I have always liked has broken this record..My record of the fastest century stood for nearly 18 years but it was finally broken. Records are set by one player and another comes and breaks them. This is cricket.
Rohit overtook Afridi’s mark of 351 sixes in 398 matches during the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur and now boasts 355 in just 279 matches.
Remembers Early Days with Rohit at Deccan Chargers
Afridi fondly recalled sharing a dressing room with Rohit in the 2008 IPL season.
Afridi
I played alongside Rohit for Deccan Chargers in my only IPL season. During practice, I watched him bat and his class impressed me. I knew he would one day play for India, and he has proved himself as a classy batter.
