Mohammad Kaif, who represented India in 13 Tests and 125 ODIs between 2000 and 2006, hailed Rohit Sharma‘s achievements as captain as something that only a handful have achieved in the sport. Mohammad Kaif believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s experience and batting prowess will be crucial for India’s success in the Champions Trophy, urging fans to trust their ability to bounce back from recent struggles and deliver on the big stage.
Rohit Sharma’s form was in in concern until the England series where he roared back to form in white ball with his 32nd century in the second match ensuring the fan’s that in the Champions Trophy 2025 they would see the vintage Rohit Sharma’s skills with the bat they used to enjoy.
Rohit Sharma’s Consistency in ODIs and current form
While Rohit Sharma has also faced criticism for his recent performances, his ODI stats offer a different narrative. In 2023, he accumulated 1,255 runs in 27 matches, showcasing his ability to anchor innings and provide explosive starts. His contributions were instrumental during the 2023 World Cup, where he finished as the second-highest run-scorer with 597 runs at an average of 54.27, including one century and three fifties.
The ‘Hitman’ however, was at his best in both roles in the recently-concluded ODI series against England at home, which came as great news for Indian cricket fans. The hosts swept the series 3-0 and Rohit Sharma starred in one of those wins with a match-winning century.
As for Rohit Sharma’s record in ICC events, he led India to the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia followed by a runner-up finish in the 2023 ICC World Cup at home, in which the Men in Blue won all of their matches by convincing margins before losing to Australia in the final in Ahmedabad. The 37-year-old Rohit Sharma would then help India end their 11-year drought in ICC events by winning the T20 World Cup in the US and the Caribbean.
Mohammad Kaif stressed that both players have the experience and skill to handle the pressures of international tournaments. With the Champions Trophy looming, India will rely on the proven match-winning capabilities of Rohit and Kohli to spearhead their batting efforts. Mohammad Kaif, who represented India in 13 Tests and 125 ODIs between 2000 and 2006, hailed Rohit’s achievements as captain as something that only a handful have achieved in the sport.
Rohit Sharma will continue leading till 2027 World Cup, says ex-India cricketer Mohammad Kaif
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes Rohit Sharma will be part of the Men in Blue’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He opined that the veteran opener has done a fantastic job as a skipper and his record speaks for itself.
Kaif suggested that while Sharma’s days may be numbered in Tests, his place in the ODI team should not be questioned. The cricketer-turned-commentator reckoned that the 37-year-old will remain in the side even if India perform badly in the ongoing 2025 Champions Trophy.
In a video shared on his X account, Kaif said:
“What Rohit Sharma has done as a captain is not everyone’s cup of tea. He led his team to the final of the 2023 World Cup. We haven’t played a lot of ODI cricket after that. God forbid, even if India play badly, the coaches may be in trouble but not Rohit Sharma. In Tests, you may look for a chance, but in ODIs, there is no question about his place.”
“He has been in great form, hit a century and has captained the team really well. He has a fantastic ODI record if we look at the winning percentage. So, I feel even if the Indian team performs badly, Rohit Sharma will remain safe and continue playing till 2027 World Cup.”
Rohit Sharma’s batting form came under scrutiny following a dismal Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series against Australia and a failed Ranji Trophy comeback. However, he roared back to form by notching up his 32nd ODI century in the second match of India’s recently concluded three-match home series against England. The swashbuckling batter scored 119 runs off 90 deliveries. Under his captaincy, India completed a stunning 3-0 whitewash over the visitors.
India are placed in Group A of the 2025 Champions Trophy alongside Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh. The ICC event is being hosted by defending champions Pakistan. However, all of India’s matches will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Indian side will kick off their campaign with a match against Bangladesh on Thursday, February 20.
The much-awaited India-Pakistan match of the 2025 Champions Trophy will take place on February 23. The team’s final group stage fixture will be against New Zealand on March 2.