‘If Ronaldo, Messi can do it…’: Former cricketer questions India’s handling of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli

India’s Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (PTI Photo) Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has defended Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid renewed scrutiny over their futures, saying India’s focus on replacing veteran 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, no senior batsman intervened in the chase. Returning to international cricket, Rohit managed 11 off 21 balls before being dismissed by Sam Curran while Jofra Archer caught Kohli lbw for just five. However, the result 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. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Kaif said that successful teams are built on the right balance of youth and experience rather than an obsession with bringing in younger players. “There is a bad trend going on where the basic principle is to bring in youth because they hit sixes. But a good and successful team has a mixture of youth and experience,” Kaif said. The former batsman also pointed to football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who both continue to represent their countries despite approaching their 40s. “If you look at Ronaldo and Messi, they are in their 40s and still playing for their country at a fast pace. If they are fit and have the skills, then why are we so much after age in cricket?” Kaif asked. Rohit has come under increasing pressure after a lean run in the 50-over format. The India captain scored just one half-century in seven ODI innings in 2026, while Yashasvi Jaiswal strengthened his case with two centuries in his last three ODI appearances. With Jaiswal waiting in the wings, the rest of the England series is likely to have a significant impact on India’s long-term opening combination, although Kaif urged the selectors to value experience alongside youth.