‘If Ronaldo, Messi could …’: Ex-cricketer questions India’s treatment of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli | Cricket News
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif defending Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid renewed scrutiny of their future, saying India’s focus on replacing experienced players with youngsters just because they can hit six years is the wrong approach. The debate resurfaced after Rohit and Kohli survived a disappointing comeback in India’s opening ODI against England at Edgbaston on Tuesday. Despite India’s win, no senior batter made an impact in the chase. On their return to international cricket, Rohit made 11 off 21 balls before being dismissed by Sam Curran, while Jofra Archer Kohli trapped lbw for just five. The result, however, marked a positive turnaround for India, who entered the ODI series after suffering a 2-0 whitewash in Ireland and a 4-0 loss in the T20I series against England. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Kaif said that successful teams are built on the right balance between youth and experience rather than an obsession with bringing in young players. “A wrong trend is going on, where the core principle is to bring young people because they hit six years. But a good and successful group has a combination of youth and experience,” said Kaif. The former batter also points to football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messiboth of whom continue to represent their countries despite the age of 40. “If you look at Ronaldo and Messi, they are around the 40-year-old mark and are still playing for their country in a fast-paced game. If they are fit and have the skills, then why are we after age so much in cricket?” asked Kaif. Rohit is under increasing pressure after a lean run in the 50-over format. The Indian captain scored only one half-century in seven ODI innings in 2026, while Yashasvi Jaiswal strengthened his case with two centuries in his last three ODI appearances. With Jaiswal waiting in the wings, the rest of the England series is likely to have a significant impact on India’s long-term opening combination, although Kaif urged the selectors to value experience with the youngsters.
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