Mohammad Kaif supports Kohli and Rohit for 2027 ODI World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 18, 2026, 5:06 AM
Last updated Jul 18, 2026
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif advocated for the inclusion of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, emphasizing their experience for challenging conditions in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. He drew parallels to Lionel Messi's role for Argentina, arguing that seasoned players are crucial in high-pressure tournaments. The BCCI has denied rumors suggesting that Rohit's upcoming ODI at Lord's will serve as his farewell, indicating that senior players are still expected to play important roles in the team's future. Kaif stressed the need for India's younger players to learn from Kohli and Rohit under captain Shubman Gill's leadership in preparation for the World Cup.
- •Kaif supports Kohli and Rohit for World Cup 2027
- •BCCI denies Rohit's possible farewell at Lord's
- •Kaif compares their experience to Lionel Messi's
- •India will face different challenges in South Africa
- •Younger players need to learn from veterans.
- 8:08 AMYahoo Sports — 'Just like Messi for Argentina': Mohammed Kaif makes strong case for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli for 2027 World Cup
- 5:06 AMYahoo Sports — Mohammad Kaif cites Lionel Messi example to explain why India needs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma at 2027 ODI World Cup
"Mohammed Kaif believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are essential for India's 2027 World Cup campaign. He stressed their experience will be vital for challenging conditions in South Africa. Kaif compared their importance to Lionel Messi's impact on his football team. Experienced players offer guidance and create opportunities for younger teammates. India will need these seasoned cricketers under captain Shubman Gill.
"Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has strongly backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the 2027 ODI World Cup, comparing their roles to Lionel Messi for Argentina.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 18, 2026, 8:08 AM'Just like Messi for Argentina': Mohammed Kaif makes strong case for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli for 2027 World Cup
Mohammed Kaif believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are essential for India's 2027 World Cup campaign. He stressed their experience will be vital for challenging conditions in South Africa. Kaif compared their importance to Lionel Messi's impact on his football team. Experienced players offer guidance and create opportunities for younger teammates. India will need these seasoned cricketers under captain Shubman Gill.
- Yahoo SportsJul 18, 2026, 5:06 AMMohammad Kaif cites Lionel Messi example to explain why India needs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma at 2027 ODI World Cup
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has strongly backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the 2027 ODI World Cup, comparing their roles to Lionel Messi for Argentina.
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