'Without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, you can never win the World Cup...': India's Asia Cup winner lauds batting duo after South Africa ODI series

Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif lavished praise on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after their brilliant batting in the three-match ODI series against South Africa. Notably, before this series, there were rumours that the duo would retire after featuring against South Africa.

Kaif lauds Rohit and Virat

Kaif, who was a part of India's Asia Cup 2002 winning squad has has reiterated the importance of the two stalwarts in the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup.

“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,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

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Rohit and Virat's performance

Rohit Sharma scored 146 runs in three matches, including two half-centuries and a crucial 155-run stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who slammed his maiden century. On the other hand, Kohli was the highest run getter in the three-match series, amassing 302 runs in three matches at an average of 151.00 and a strike rate of 117.05. His runs included a 135 off 120 balls in Ranchi, a 102 off 93 balls in Raipur, and an unbeaten 65 off 45 balls in the third ODI.

Kaif on Rohit's new approach

Kaif also lauded Rohit's smart mindset of switching back to a calmer avatar in the series, moving a step away from his previously uber-aggressive self in his last two years as one-day captain.

“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.

When will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli feature again for India?

Rohit and Virat Kohli who already retired from T20Is and Tests, will now be seen featuring against New Zealand in a three-match ODI series, which will start from January 11.