BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia said late on Friday, July 17, that the ODI match at Lord’s will not be former India captain Rohit Sharma’s last ODI, amid speculations that Rohit is no longer in the plans of the selectors and team management. Reports claimed that India has decided to proceed The experienced opening batsman is set to draw curtains on his career after the Lord’s ODI ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Saikia dispelled those concernsPutting an end to the rumours. Ok. Great. But why is the Indian Cricket Board Secretary talking about Rohit Sharma’s retirement plan?

This seems like a silly question. But the more you think about it, the stranger it becomes.

Perhaps Rohit had never intended to retire in the first place. Or maybe he did.

But that is not the point.

Devjit Saikia is the Secretary of the BCCI – the top administrative officer of the board. He is not the person taking decisions in the Indian dressing room. Yet he was there assuring everyone that Rohit’s ODI career would not end at Lord’s.

You have to wonder what goes on in the mind of an administrator when they suddenly want to decide the career plan of one of India’s greatest cricketers.

Shouldn’t cricket be left to cricketing ability? India has a strong ecosystem for this, built by, guess who? BCCI.

There are selectors to judge form, coaches to manage players, captains to lead the team and players to decide when enough is enough. The job of an administrator is everything related to cricket: paperwork, broadcast deals, logistics, administration and budgeting.

At this point, you may wonder: What’s the harm in a harmless comment?

I would argue that there is.

one man rules all

It is no secret that the BCCI has traded its old, anarchic democratic mantle for a much shinier, far more absolutist “one man rules all” philosophy. Notice the difference here. Rules all, does not rule all.

Governance requires distribution of authority. It accepts roles and responsibilities. Governance simply requires one person who has direct access to the microphone.

Ever since Sourav Ganguly was removed from the chairman’s chair, public communication about Indian cricket has increasingly flowed through the office of the secretary. During Jay Shah’s tenure, he informed about almost every major development related to the Indian team. This pattern has certainly continued under Devjit Saikia.

Maybe this makes communication easier. Perhaps this will also keep Indian cricket running smoothly. But it leaves behind an uncomfortable question. Why are capable men and women, many of whom have spent decades inside the sport, being silenced? And if they are not competent enough, why are they in positions of power in the first place?

If the head coach or chairman of selectors can’t address speculation about a modern great player, why are they in those positions in the first place?

history repeats itself

Why are we talking about secretaries today?

Because we’ve seen this drama before.

Focus your mind on September 2021. Rumors were spreading that Virat Kohli was going to lose the T20I captaincy of India. Accountability is part of the elite game. Even a player of Kohli’s stature was not immune from scrutiny after India’s multiple failures in ICC tournaments.

But when Kohli’s future in cricket was being debated, the administrative machinery intervened.

Jay Shah had announced, “There is no proposal to replace Kohli and the team is being led by Virat and we are supporting him.”

“We are sensitive to the fact that such a proposal is not in the interest of the Indian team when it competes in the World Cup.”

Forty-eight hours later, Virat Kohli resigned. It was a masterclass in institutional gaslighting.

Who exactly were the public supposed to believe? The BCCI Secretary, who had categorically ruled out such a move? The head coach, who never addressed the issue publicly? Or the hurt Virat Kohli himself, who quietly walked away from captaincy for seven years?

That was September 2021. Five years later, we’re back in exactly the same place.

Once again, an administrator has become the face of cricket’s decisions. Once again the selectors are maintaining silence. Once again the coach has become silent. Once again, the player himself has not said anything.

At this point, someone will inevitably ask, and they should ask: What did Saikia have to do? A microphone was thrust into his face.

Easy. All he could say was: “It is not my place to comment on a player’s future. Please ask the captain, coach or selectors.”

That’s it. The matter is over.

God save Indian cricket

Whether Rohit Sharma will retire after Lord’s, after the Asia Cup, after the World Cup or two years from now is almost irrelevant.

The big question is: Why has Indian cricket reached the point where the secretary is at the center of power? Why can’t he hand over command to the respective department heads, who are in their positions because they are capable.

If administrators become the spokespersons then the people who actually run the cricket team will gradually stop mattering. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the institution becomes hollow from within.

Cricket deserves better than this. Institutions also do this.

God save Indian cricket.

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Sunil Gavaskar, Gary Sobers

Garfield Sobers was the greatest all-rounder of all time. In 93 Tests, he scored 8,032 runs, took 235 wickets and took 109 catches, including some of the finest gems in the slips. But during India’s 1971 tour of the Caribbean, the West Indies maestro was left out Sunil Gavaskar At least three times, thereby inadvertently giving a career boost to the young opening batsman playing his first Test series. Gavaskar, who described Sobers as “the greatest cricketer of all time” in his book ‘Idols’, details those missed opportunities in his autobiography ‘Sunny Days’.He wrote, “I was pleased to see Sobers bowl slower to Holder as I tried to drive him on the backfoot. Sobers fell in this attempt but the ball fell. It was a lucky break.” This opportunity was given when Sunny was 20 years old and he scored 65 runs for the first time. This was the same Test where India registered its first win against the West Indies in Trinidad. In fact, Sobers also had a hand in Gavaskar getting his first century. The opening batsman wrote, “Just as I was nearing my first century, dark clouds started gathering and it started drizzling. However, play continued and on 94 I was caught taking what was probably the easiest catch of all.”Sunny appeared to play forward to a flighted delivery from off-spinner Jack Noriega. Gavaskar wrote, “The ball turned and bounced off my gloves and went to Sobers, who would have taken a dolly if he had been standing there before throwing the ball. But Gary, anticipating my forward defensive stroke, had moved forward.” Sobers missed catching the ball. At the end of the over, Gary stood in front of me and said, ‘Man, why are you chasing me, can’t you find another fielder?’ He had fucked me three times so far and this last one was the easiest of them all.Sunny was out after scoring 116 runs.But the great West Indian player took everything in stride. Gavaskar scored 124 and 220 in the last Test, taking his tally of runs in the series to 774. Sunny wrote, “As I returned to the pavilion, Sobers smiled and tipped my cap.” Both cricketers were in the same team, Rest of the World, against Australia in 1971–72. Sobers’s 254 against Lillee and Company in Melbourne was described by Donald Bradman as “the greatest ever scored since the war”. And yet “the remarkable thing is that he never wore a thigh guard in his life,” Sunny wrote.

France captain Kylian Mbappe admitted Les Bleus failed to give Didier Deschamps the farewell he hoped for after a dramatic 6-4 defeat to England in the FIFA World Cup third-place playoff, but insisted a disappointing afternoon will never tarnish the outgoing coach’s legacy.

Deschamps departed after 14 years in charge of the France national team with a fourth-place finish, seeing his team trail 4–0 at half-time and stage a strong comeback in the second half, which ultimately failed.

Mbappe, who scored twice in the defeat, admitted that France had let him and his coach down during a disastrous opening 45 minutes, but praised the team’s response after the break.

France vs England, FIFA World Cup Third place play-off: highlight | report

first-half regret

Reflecting on the rollercoaster encounter, Mbappe admitted that France were overwhelmed by England’s intensity from the opening whistle.

“There were two completely different halves. During the first half, I can understand why some people think we made a fool of ourselves and didn’t do justice to the jersey,” Mbappé said.

“Instead I would say that we were human, and we couldn’t afford for this to happen. We were completely shocked, and they really shook us up.”

England took a 4–0 lead before half-time thanks to Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and Bukayo Saka, whose two first-half goals left France with an impossible task.

However, Mbappé was encouraged by the character shown by his teammates after the restart as Les Bleus threatened an unexpected comeback.

“In the second half, we became top-level players, mental machines.”

France scored four times after the interval through Mbappe, Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele to reduce the deficit to one goal, before Bukayo Saka converted a late penalty and Jude Bellingham scored another goal in stoppage time to ensure England’s bronze medal.

legacy intact

Despite the defeat, Mbappe said the biggest disappointment was not being able to send off Deschamps with a win in his final game as France coach.

“In the end, we didn’t win and that’s a shame for the coach. We wanted to do something for him.”

The France captain admitted the first-half collapse gave the impression the team had abandoned the man who led them to 2018 FIFA World Cup Title and second final four years later.

“The first part gives the impression that we let him down. That’s not at all how we wanted him to feel.”

However, Mbappe was adamant that Deschamps’ place among France’s greatest coaches should not be judged on a difficult afternoon.

“That match will not tarnish Didier Deschamps’ legacy.”

Deschamps is one of the most distinguished managers in French football history, winning the World Cup in 2018, reaching another final in 2022 and leading France to fourth place in 2026.

While France fell behind collectively, Mbappé enjoyed another record-breaking evening. His two goals took his career World Cup tally to 22, moving him ahead of Lionel Messi’s total, while his 10 goals in the tournament secured the Golden Boot despite Les Bleus missing the podium.

FIFA World Cup | fifa world cup schedule | fifa world cup points table | football news

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TimesofIndia.com in London: as if a lot of mantras were being chanted Rohit Sharma Moved to the prestigious Lord’s cricket ground on Saturday. When he came out after about three hours, the mood remained the same.“The most important man in all of India!” shouted one fan. Another declared, “Ek shatak pakka kal! (A century tomorrow for sure!),” as Rohit smiled and took his place in the luxury black bus. It may be possible that runs are not flowing for ‘Hitman’. The protesters may be pushing him out of the team instead of supporting him to stay. But fans don’t see things that way. Rohit Sharma has scored 891 runs since the beginning of 2025 Shubman Gill974 more Virat KohliThis year he has scored 241 runs, which is behind Gill’s 484 runs and Kohli’s 310 runs. Pressure, even if the team management denies it, may be playing a role.As Rohit and Kohli prepare for their last bilateral game in England, their contributions to the game have not been forgotten.“He’s obviously been an amazing player for many years and it’s good to see him still playing the game,” the England captain said. harry brook Said before the third ODI, the series is tied at 1-1.Rohit has scored only 37 runs in the current series, 11 in Birmingham and 26 in Cardiff, raising questions about whether the 39-year-old’s place in India’s ODI team is under threat. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak stressed that there is no pressure to speak.On Saturday, Morne Morkel put another proverbial hand on Rohit’s shoulder.“It’s hard work early on with the new ball. We’ve seen that throughout the series. The ball is moving.”“So batting first is not easy. There is no doubt that Rohit will work on it. He has done it before also. He is experienced and he brings calmness to the batting order.” So, without a doubt, there are no worries or concerns about the way he is going about things,” the South African said.His record at Lord’s does not inspire much confidence. The right-handed batsman has played five matches at the venue and scored just 133 runs, including 83 in a Test in 2021. In four white-ball matches, he has managed only 29 runs, with a top score of 15 in 2018. In fact, his last outing here ended with a duck in 10 balls as England defeated India by 100 runs.Hoping to change this, Rohit took part in optional practice sessions ahead of the third ODI Ishan KishanKL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav and Prince Yadav.During the batting that lasted for over an hour, Rohit faced Kuldeep, Mayank Yadav and sidearm specialists. He seemed to be in pretty good rhythm and control. During the break he laughed and joked with the support staff members. After he finished, he went to the bench, took off his gear and had a long conversation with the coach. Gautam Gambhir. Even before the net session, Rohit was seen standing and laughing with Gambhir and Kotak on the Lord’s balcony.This may be the last ODI of Rohit Sharma’s illustrious career, but the crowd will undoubtedly turn out in large numbers to get a final glimpse of one of India’s greatest white-ball cricketers at one of the most iconic venues in the game.

Just hours before France take on England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff, captain Kylian Mbappe paid an emotional tribute to outgoing head coach Didier Deschamps, admitting the team failed to give one of the country’s greatest managers the farewell he deserved.

Deschamps, who announced before the tournament that he would Step down after the World Cup will take care France against England for the last time Les Bleus’ hopes of winning a second world title under his leadership ended after they lost to Spain in the semi-finals.

Before the match, Mbappé took to social media with a heartfelt message thanking the coach who led one of the most successful eras in French football history.

“Today is your last dance,” Mbappe wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“We should have offered you a better ending, but we failed.”

‘Time will judge’

The France captain reflected on Deschamps’ remarkable 14-year tenure, saying the manager’s contribution to the national team goes far beyond the trophies he has delivered.

“It is very difficult to put into words what you achieved in 14 years, you were a key actor in the revival of this team,” Mbappe wrote.

“People don’t always know how to appreciate your greatness, but time and history will take care of that.”

Deschamps took over in France in 2012 and turned Les Bleus into one of the major forces in international football. he led the team 2018 FIFA World Cup title in RussiaThe UEFA Nations League crown in 2021, and also reached the finals of Euro 2016, 2022 World Cup and 2026 World Cup.

Already a World Cup-winning captain in 1998, Deschamps became only the third man to win football’s biggest prize as both a player and coach, cementing his place among the game’s most revered figures.

end of an era

Mbappé thanked Deschamps for his confidence in him throughout his international career and said it was a privilege to represent France under one of the country’s greatest football figures.

“Thank you for giving me the chance and opportunity to represent my country on the biggest stage for so many years,” Mbappe wrote.

“I feel fortunate to be able to stand beside one of our country’s greatest giants, and I have excellent memories of all the things we lived and accomplished together.”

The Real Madrid forward concluded by wishing Deschamps success in whatever comes next.

“I wish you all the best on your new adventure, and thank you again for everything you bring to this jersey, which means so much to us.”

France will now look to ensure Deschamps’ final match ends with a win when they take on England in the third-place playoff. Whatever the result, the match will bring down the curtain on a 14-year reign that restored France to the pinnacle of world football and established Deschamps as one of the country’s greatest managers, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to succeed him.

FIFA World Cup | fifa world cup schedule | fifa world cup points table | football news

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Rohit Sharma playing a shot during the second ODI match against England. (ANI photo)

New Delhi: India’s bowling coach morne morkel has thrown its weight behind Rohit Sharma Amid growing scrutiny over the veteran opener’s form, he insisted there were “no worries” and expressed confidence that the former skipper would soon regain his rhythm in English conditions.Speaking ahead of the series-deciding third ODI against England at Lord’s on Sunday, Morkel dismissed concerns over Rohit’s scores of 11 and 26 in the first two matches, and said the challenging conditions for the opening batsmen have made life difficult throughout the series.

Morkel supported Rohit’s experience and composure

With speculation rife over Rohit’s ODI future ahead of the 2027 World Cup, Morkel highlighted the opener’s experience and the calming effect he has brought to India’s batting unit.Morkel said, “Playing in front with the new ball is a difficult task. We have seen it throughout the series. The ball is rotating. So it is not easy to bat in front. There is no doubt that Rohit will work on it.”“He has done this before. He is experienced and he brings calmness to the batting line-up. So, without a doubt, there are no worries or concerns with the way he is going about things,” he said.His comments come after Rohit’s modest return in the opening two ODIs, reigniting the debate over whether India should start planning ahead of the experienced opener with just a year left before the next 50-over World Cup.

Batting unit asked to adapt quickly at Lord’s

Defending Rohit, Morkel admitted that India’s batting overall needed to improve after failing to take advantage of a strong platform in the second ODI.Virat Kohli And Shreyas Iyer The foundation was laid, but the middle order could not accelerate as India finished at less than 233 runs, allowing England to level the series with a four-wicket win.Morkel advised India’s batsmen to respect the conditions at Lord’s before trying to dominate.“I think for them it’s just to give them a summary of the conditions. We’ve seen recently at Lord’s that it can be a difficult surface. So maybe give yourself an extra five to 10 balls to get used to the speed of the surface,” he said.He said India’s experienced top and middle order know how to build partnerships and stressed that a consistent partnership with both bat and ball will be crucial in the decider.

Middle overs wickets remain India’s biggest bowling concern

Despite praising the effort of the fast bowlers in the last game, Morkel admitted that India still needed to be more effective in breaking partnerships during the middle overs.He said the pace attack had executed the plans well, particularly with Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar using the extra bounce effectively, but acknowledged that England’s Joe RootRemaining unbeaten on 99 runs, he showed the importance of not giving an easy path to the opposition during the innings.Morkel said, “Getting wickets in the middle stages is important. We will continue to work on ways to achieve those successes.” He also cautioned against putting too much pressure on the bowlers with technical advice before important games.

A day after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) quashed speculations of Rohit Sharma’s ODI retirement, the India skipper was seen sharing a light-hearted moment with head coach Gautam Gambhir on the balcony of Lord’s. Sharma, who was on the field for India’s optional practice session, met with the team management before entering their training session.

Retirement rumors gained momentum Following reports that the Indian team management wanted to move on from the experienced opener after the England series, BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia on Friday firmly dismissed them. The board official clarified that Rohit is not retiring after the Lord’s ODI and he will remain an integral part of India’s ODI setup.

With this the speculations came to an endRohit took part in India’s optional training session at Lord’s on Saturday, July 18. The captain was seen discussing with head coach Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak to return to form ahead of the series decider.

‘Rohit will come out of recession’

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel also supported the opening batsman who is struggling with poor form, saying that Rohit has overcome similar phase before.

Morkel said, “It has become difficult to rotate the new ball. There is no doubt that Rohit Sharma will work on it, he has done it before also. Rohit has that experience and I am sure he will come out of it.”

Although Saikia ruled out Rohit’s retirement after the Lord’s ODI, he did not confirm whether the experienced opener will be part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. With Yashasvi Jaiswal awaited, the selectors are yet to take a decision on Rohit’s future as India begin preparations for the tournament in South Africa.

Rohit, Gambhir face to face again?

If Rohit is really unhappy with the Indian team management then it would not be the first time. During India’s ill-fated tour of Australia in 2024-25, Rohit arrived late for the practice session before the final Test in Sydney, and as per reports, Showed indifferent attitude to the head coach. Struggling badly for runs, the India captain even skipped the pre-match press conference, instead Gautam Gambhir addressed the media as India trailed 1-2 in the series.

Gambhir not only refused to confirm whether Rohit would play or not In the final test, when the journalists were asked why the captain was absent, he also silenced the journalists.

Gambhir had said, “The head coach is here. That should be enough.”

Saturday’s talks painted a very different picture. Rohit and Gambhir spent time talking and laughing on the Lord’s balcony ahead of India’s optional training session while bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed the media. It is noteworthy that during the press conference at Lord’s, no questions were asked on the speculations about Rohit’s retirement.

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former captain of india Sunil Gavaskar After the demise of this great West Indies player on Friday, tributes were paid to Sir Garfield Sobers, calling him the greatest cricketer the game has ever seen and a player whom every child dreams of becoming.Sobers, considered cricket’s greatest all-rounder, died at his home in Barbados, 11 days before his 90th birthday. During a career spanning two decades, he set new standards with his batting, bowling and fielding.“This is perhaps the saddest day for the game of cricket. The world’s greatest cricketer has left us. No words can do justice to the cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers.”“He was everything we dream of becoming when we pick up a bat or a ball as children,” Gavaskar was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.He said, “The memories keep coming back and I will always hold them close to my heart. Rest in peace, Sir Garfield. You will always be in our hearts.”Sobers represented the West Indies in 93 Test matches between 1954 and 1974. He scored 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78, including 26 centuries, and also took 235 wickets.A left-handed batsman, Sobers was equally effective as a left-arm fast-medium bowler, a left-arm orthodox spinner and a left-arm wrist spinner. He was also known as one of the finest fielders and closer catchers in the history of the game.His unbeaten 365 against Pakistan in 1958 was the highest individual score in Test cricket at that time. This record remained intact for 36 years.Another milestone came in 1968, when, playing county cricket for Nottinghamshire, he became the first player to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket. This feat came against Malcolm Nash of Glamorgan.Sobers was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 for his services to cricket. In 2000, he was named one of Wisden’s five cricketers of the 20th century.His name also lives on through the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, an annual ICC award given to the outstanding men’s international cricketer across all formats.

The International Cricket Council’s decision to revamp the format of the 2027 ODI World Cup has been criticized by several associate captains, who believe the changes will make it more difficult for emerging nations to compete in cricket’s showpiece event.

Approved at ICC annual conference, new structure will retain 14-team tournament Start a “Super Series” involving the three lowest ranked qualifying sidesOnly one team is advancing to the main competition.

The move has drawn strong reactions from Netherlands captain Scott Edwards, Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus and Scotland’s Richie Berrington, all of whom have questioned whether the changes are in line with the ICC’s goal of expanding the game globally.

Collaborative teams fear losing opportunities

The Associate nations have long pushed for greater representation at ICC events, with teams such as Scotland, Namibia and the Netherlands putting in memorable performances against Full Member sides in recent years. However, the latest restructuring has raised concerns that the road to the World Cup is becoming even more difficult.

Edwards described the decision as “incredibly disappointing”, arguing that Associate teams had spent years building competitive ODI schedules only to see their chances dwindle.

Also read: The World Cup needs more stories like Cape Verde. cricket only wants india vs pak

Edwards said, “Qualifying for the ODI World Cup is a huge achievement for any country, so when the reality of that opportunity changes after years of planning, it is incredibly disappointing.”

“The ICC talks a lot about growing the game globally, but decisions like this make it harder for associate nations to play against the best teams in the world.”

The Dutch captain said that matches against elite opponents are important not only to improve standards but also to inspire future generations of cricketers. In his view, sport should “create more opportunities on the global stage, not less”.

Erasmus echoed those concerns, stressing that ODI cricket remains the top format for players from Associate nations. He argued that qualifying teams should not face additional hurdles before getting the chance to compete against the world’s best.

For players from emerging cricket-playing nations, Erasmus said, the 50-over World Cup is “our longer form”, making access to the tournament even more important.

Meanwhile, Scotland captain Richie Berrington focused on the decision-making process. He urged administrators to involve players in a more meaningful way when introducing major changes to global tournaments.

“Players are not expected to make every decision, but we should be meaningfully consulted on decisions that have a significant impact on the game and players’ careers,” Berrington said.

“Better decisions are made when different perspectives are brought forward, and we are urging the sport to start doing just that.”

This criticism has also been supported by the World Cricketers’ Association, which has questioned the transparency of the decision. The players’ body argued that reducing opportunities for Associate teams runs contrary to cricket’s stated ambition of global growth and pointed out that countries have invested years in qualification pathways.

How does the new format of the ODI World Cup work?

The 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, will have a new three-phase format. Although 14 teams will qualify for the tournament, not all of them will enter the main competition directly.

The three lowest-ranked qualifying teams will first compete in a “Super Series”, with only one side advancing to the next stage. After this the remaining teams will enter the main stage of the tournament.

From there, teams will be divided into two groups, with each side playing every other team in its pool. The top teams will then advance to the newly introduced “Super 7” stage, where they will play further matches to decide the four semi-finalists. The tournament will conclude with semi-finals and finals and is expected to feature 57 matches.

However, concerns for allies extend beyond the format. Many fear that increasingly complex qualification pathways will limit opportunities for exposure, funding and face elite opposition. For countries that are still trying to establish themselves on the world stage, such opportunities are invaluable.

That’s why captains like Edwards, Erasmus and Berrington have spoken out. At a time when cricket is trying to move beyond its traditional strengths, he believes the game should open more doors for emerging teams and not create new obstacles in their path.

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India’s Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (ANI photo)

Amid growing speculation over the ODI future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has backed the experienced duo and stressed that their experience will be crucial if India are to challenge for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.The debate over Rohit and Virat’s place in India’s World Cup plans has intensified in recent weeks, with reports on social media suggesting that one or both of the senior batsmen could be phased out ahead of the marquee tournament. However, BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia recently dismissed rumors that the third ODI against England at Lord’s will be Rohit’s last appearance in the format.Speaking on Cricbuzz, Kaif said that India cannot ignore the experience of Rohit and Virat, especially considering the conditions expected in South Africa.

‘India will need Rohit and Virat in South Africa’

Kaif said the 2027 World Cup will present a completely different challenge compared to previous editions, making the presence of experienced campaigners invaluable.Mohammad Kaif said, “The 2027 phase will be very important. People are talking about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma because it will not be an easy World Cup. The conditions will be different, there will be bouncy pitches and India will need both of these players there. We would definitely like them to play as many matches as possible from now on and be in good form.”

Lionel Messi comparisons

Kaif compared the importance of Rohit and Virat to football legend Lionel Messi, saying that experienced players often contribute beyond just scoring runs or goals.He said, “Lionel Messi is 39 years old and his team has reached the FIFA World Cup final. He did not score in the semi-finals but provided an assist. That’s what experience brings. When you have young players who can finish the job, experienced players know how to guide them and create opportunities, so just like Messi is for Argentina, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are for India in the World Cup.” The former India batsman said that the value of experience remains the same in all sports.Kaif concluded, “Whether it’s football or cricket, experience plays a huge role. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are considered among the greatest ODI players, so India will need 100 per cent from them, especially in South African conditions under captain Shubman Gill.”