Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has praised Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for their leadership, commitment, and constant guidance to youngsters—even though neither holds the captaincy in ODIs anymore. Kaif highlighted how their presence played a crucial role in India’s 17-run win over South Africa in the opening ODI in Ranchi.
Senior Duo Guiding Young Pacers on the Field
Kaif pointed out how both Rohit and Kohli spent the entire match mentoring India’s young fast bowlers—Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh.
Their constant communication, tactical advice, and calm presence proved invaluable as the youngsters tore through South Africa’s top order.
Harshit struck early, removing Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock in the same over, while Arshdeep dismissed Aiden Markram to leave the visitors reeling at 11/3.
Kaif said on his YouTube channel:
“Harshit bowled the right lengths. Rohit and Virat kept guiding him. Youngsters always perform better when seniors are around—it’s been true in Indian cricket for years.”
“They Don’t Want Credit — They Want India to Win”
Kaif stressed that both seniors remain selfless leaders at heart.
“We saw so many times Virat talking to Arshdeep or Prasidh. Rohit also kept giving inputs. They don’t care about who gets recognition. They only want India to win.”
Their mentorship paid off as Kohli led with a brilliant 135 off 120 balls, while Kuldeep Yadav took four wickets to secure India’s victory and a 1–0 series lead.
Kaif Questions Shami’s Absence
Despite the strong start, India allowed South Africa to reach 332 thanks to gritty half-centuries from Jansen, Bosch, and Breetzke.
Kaif believes this late surge exposed the lack of an experienced pacer like Mohammed Shami.
“The question is valid. Shami can take wickets on any pitch, flat or not. I don’t know why he isn’t playing, especially when Bumrah and Siraj are rested.”
He added that young bowlers like Harshit, Prasidh, and Arshdeep would greatly benefit from Shami’s presence in pressure moments.
“There was no senior pacer to guide them. India missed that.”
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