'Many people want Rohit Sharma to fail' - Mohammad Kaif's massive remark amid ODI World Cup Spot Debate

Mohammad Kaif said that India need the experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during their 2027 ODI World Cup campaign. His statement came after the former played a brilliant knock in the third and final ODI against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, June 20.

Rohit scored 16 and 48 in the first two ODIs, but on Saturday, he capitalised on his start and smashed 79 off 69 balls. Fellow opener Yashasvi Jaiswal also scored an unbeaten century (110 off 86) as India chased down a 219-run target in 28.4 overs with nine wickets to spare. The Afghanistan side was whitewashed 0-3 by the Indians.

Kaif wondered why so many people want Rohit to fail. The former India batter said that a few low scores here and there can't judge his class. He hoped that the former India captain would carry this form into the ODI World Cup next year, which is going to be co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

"Can't really understand why so many people want Rohit Sharma to fail. It is admirable how he has taken this challenge head-on. He has led India to the Champions Trophy, scored against Australia, NZ and now made 79 against Afghanistan. A few low scores here and there can't judge his class. As cricket fans, we should wish that he carries this form into the 2027 World Cup. India needs the experience of Rohit and also Virat Kohli," Mohammad Kaif wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Mohammad Kaif@MohammadKaif

Can't really understand why so many people want Rohit Sharma to fail. It is admirable how he has taken this challenge head on. He has led India to the Champions Trophy, scored against Australia, NZ and now his 79 against Afghanistan. A few low scores here and there can't judge

09:08 PM · Jun 20, 2026

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India's next ODI assignment is against England. The Men in Blue will play five T20Is and three ODIs against the Three Lions next month.