IND vs NZ 2026: 'When they get out, you are losing games' - Mohammad Kaif's blunt statement on Rohit-Kohli duo ahead of series decider

Mohammad Kaif believes that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are an indispensable part of the Indian team and used the ongoing series versus New Zealand to explain that when they perform, the team wins.

In the first ODI, Kohli slammed 93 off 91 balls in Vadodara after Rohit got the hosts off to a decent start against the Kiwis. The Men in Blue chased down the 301-run target with four wickets and an over to spare. However, in the second ODI, Rohit and Kohli were dismissed for 24 and 23, respectively, and India went on to lose.

Kaif slammed Kohli and Rohit's doubters, saying that a few months ago, there were questions raised about their utility in the squad. The former India cricketer said while Kohli and Rohit might be at the fag end of their careers, the talismanic duo's performance continues to significantly affect the team's fortunes.

"Virat and Rohit got out early, and you lost the game. First, you were hanging a sword on their head that they have to prove in every game. When they do, you win. When they get out, you are losing games. So accept them. At least now accept it that they will be a part of the team for the 2027 World Cup and are our senior players," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

"You want to take work out of them and not accept as well or give them credit. It cannot be like this. You show the number of wins under your tenure, the wins have come from Virat and Rohit. Accept that they are the backbone of the team. Tell this in the press conference," he added.

Only if these two score you will win the World Cup: Kaif

Kaif said that the coaches also know India will win the ODI World Cup in 2027 only if Kohli and Rohit play well but they are unwilling to admit it. The cricketer-turned-expert also mentioned that despite playing irregularly, there is no shortage of commitment from the former India captains.

"Then you should give him more credit. Even if he is not playing regularly, India wins games when he scores. Given double credit then. When these two players get going, India wins games. Talk more about praising them. Look at the commitment, even if they play less," Kaif stated.

"Even now, we are depending on these two. Only if these two score you will win the World Cup. Take this in writing. Even the coaches know this within themselves. No one will accept it on the outside. But inside, even they know and are hoping for these two to score so that if India wins, they keep getting chances to take credit. So then open up and give them credit. These things are very clearly seen," he added.