“Without Him and Rohit, India Can’t Win the World Cup” – Kaif

Kaif’s Bold Claim

In the wake of India’s thrilling victory over South Africa, former international cricketer Mohammad Kaif made a significant assertion regarding the future of the Indian cricket team. After comfortably winning the third ODI on December 6, 2025, by nine wickets and sealing the series 2-1, Kaif highlighted the pivotal roles played by veteran batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He stated that without these two stalwarts, India’s chances of winning the 2027 ODI World Cup are severely diminished.

Kohli Shines in Series

Kohli delivered exceptional performances throughout the series, concluding with an impressive tally of 302 runs across three matches at an average of 151. His strong showing peaked with a remarkable unbeaten score of 65 off just 45 balls during the decisive match, showcasing his ability to dominate the South African bowling line-up. Kaif’s acknowledgement of Kohli’s potential to continue playing beyond 2027 propels the discussion about his future.

“Without him, and Rohit, you can never win the World Cup,” Kaif emphasized, underlining the importance of experienced players in the national squad.

Rohit’s Contribution

Rohit Sharma also made critical contributions with a commendable performance in the final match, scoring 75 runs off 73 balls. His innings included seven boundaries and three sixes, emphasizing his key role in securing the series. Over the series, Rohit accumulated 146 runs with an average of 48.66, securing two half-centuries.

Future Prospects for Kohli

As discussions about Kohli’s role in the future of Indian cricket grow more intense, many speculate about his participation in domestic matches. Reports suggest he might take part in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, Kaif argued that pressuring Kohli to play domestic cricket was unwarranted, especially given his impressive performance post-break.

Player of the Series

Kohli’s outstanding contributions did not go unnoticed, as he was awarded the ‘Player of the Series’ accolade for this ODI series, thanks to his remarkable scores of two back-to-back hundreds and the unbeaten half-century. “A player of his caliber deserves freedom,” Kaif added, reiterating that Kohli shouldn’t feel obliged to participate in domestic competitions.

Conclusion

As the countdown to the 2027 ODI World Cup begins, the emphasis on maintaining key players like Kohli and Sharma becomes imperative for India’s cricket strategy. Kaif’s comments serve as a reminder of the significance of experience and skill in cricket’s high-stakes environment.