Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has strongly supported Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, stating that both players remain indispensable to India’s ODI ambitions. Speaking in an interview published on Monday, Afridi dismissed narratives claiming the duo should be gradually phased out. Instead, he argued that the pair continues to form the core of India’s batting order and should stay part of the ODI setup until the 2027 World Cup.
Afridi said their recent performances reaffirm their reliability and match-winning ability. He added that India should build around their experience rather than look to replace them prematurely.
Kohli and Rohit Are the Backbone of India’s ODI Team, Says Afridi
Afridi highlighted the significance of their contribution. “It’s a fact that Virat and Rohit are the backbone of the Indian batting line-up, and the way they have played in the recent ODI series, it can confidently be said that they can play until the 2027 World Cup,” he said.
According to him, India must focus on preserving the two stars for high-stakes matches. In his view, team management should rotate them strategically to ensure they remain fresh for crucial series and global tournaments.
He argued that younger players should be tested in less intense fixtures, allowing the team to manage the workload of senior cricketers without compromising performance.
Afridi Criticises Gautam Gambhir’s Approach as Head Coach
In a candid remark, Afridi criticised India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir. The two share a history of on-field tension dating back to their playing days. Afridi said Gambhir appeared overly assertive during the initial phase of his coaching stint.
“The way Gautam started his stint, it looked like he thought that what he thinks and says is right, but after some time, it was proved that you are not always right,” Afridi stated.
This comment adds to ongoing debates about India’s strategy under Gambhir’s leadership, especially regarding team selections and player workload management.
Rohit Sharma Breaks Afridi’s Six-Hitting Record
Afridi also took the opportunity to respond positively to Rohit Sharma surpassing his long-standing ODI six-hitting record. Rohit recently crossed Afridi’s tally of 351 sixes and now holds 355 sixes from 279 ODIs.
Afridi expressed satisfaction rather than disappointment, saying:
“Records are meant to be broken, and this too is now bettered. I am happy that a player whom I have always liked has broken this record.”
He mentioned that his own record for the fastest ODI century remained unchallenged for nearly 18 years, reinforcing the idea that milestones evolve across generations.
Afridi Recalls Rohit’s Talent During 2008 IPL Season
Reflecting on his interaction with Rohit during the 2008 Indian Premier League season, Afridi praised his technique and temperament. The two shared the dressing room at the Deccan Chargers in what was Afridi’s only IPL season.
“During practice sessions, I watched him bat, and his class impressed me. I knew that one day Rohit would play for India, and he has proved himself as a classy batter,” he recalled.
Afridi’s remarks offer a rare cross-border acknowledgment of talent, contributing to the larger conversation surrounding senior-player value, experience, and longevity in modern cricket.
