Rohit Sharma was recently removed as India’s ODI captain. Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has suggested that Rohit Sharma, should not be judged by the BCCI selectors using the same standards as Virat Kohli when they return to the national team for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting on October 19 in Perth.
Mohammad Kaif noted that expecting the same level of consistency from Rohit, as seen from his long-time teammate Kohli, would be unrealistic. Virat Kohli will also return to the Indian side for the first time in seven months since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Both Rohit and Kohli retired from Test cricket in May, with their last appearances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) taking place earlier this year.
With no competitive cricket for months, the selectors opted to appoint Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain, leaving Rohit with the challenge of maintaining his place and impact in future matches.
“People are saying that Virat Kohli will be assessed, but I think the same applies to Rohit Sharma. Rohit is no longer captaining, and historically, he has scored modestly in many games—20s and 30s—but when a big match comes, he delivers an 80-run, match-winning innings. That’s how his career has been; he’s never about consistent scores,” Mohammad Kaif explained on his YouTube channel.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last represented India in March during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Both have retired from T20Is and Tests, now focusing solely on the ODI format.
Rohit Delivers Match-Winning Performances: Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif highlighted Rohit Sharma’s knack for delivering in crucial moments, recalling his impact during India’s Champions Trophy triumph. Though Rohit had a quiet tournament overall, he scored a vital 76 in the final against New Zealand in Dubai.
Mohammad Kaif explained, “The difference between him and Kohli is in their approach. Kohli offers consistency, while Rohit produces match-winning innings. This can make decisions tough for selectors. If Rohit struggles in the Australia series, people might say he’s out of form. But if you look at his career, he often fails in two or three innings and then comes back stronger. Even in the Champions Trophy, he scored 30–40 in the early games and then shone in the final, earning the Player of the Match award.”
Mohammad Kaif emphasized the importance of retaining experienced players like Kohli and Rohit as India gears up for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
“In a World Cup, you need seasoned players. If they feel undervalued or are close to retirement, that’s their choice. But having both of them in the World Cup will elevate India’s pride, and match-winning innings will come from their bats. My only advice is not to judge them by just two or three innings,” Mohammad Kaif concluded.
