'If Ronaldo, Messi can do it...': Ex-cricketer questions India's treatment of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli
Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif defends veteran Indian players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli against calls for their replacement by younger talent. He argues that successful teams require a balance of youth and experience, citing the longevity of stars like Messi and Ronaldo.
Why it matters
The debate highlights the tension between prioritizing long-term development and maintaining performance through experienced leadership in professional sports.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has defended Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid renewed scrutiny over their future, saying India's focus on replacing experienced players with youngsters simply because they can hit sixes is the wrong approach. The debate resurfaced after Rohit and Kohli endured disappointing returns in India's opening ODI against England at Edgbaston on Tuesday. Despite India's victory, neither senior batter made an impact in the chase. Making their return to international cricket, Rohit managed 11 off 21 balls before being dismissed by Sam Curran, while Jofra Archer trapped Kohli 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 defeat in the T20I series against England.
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