"If he gets out here, it’s over” - Former RCB cricketer’s huge remark on Kohli & Rohit ahead of NZ vs IND 2026 ODIs

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru cricketer Mohammad Kaif has mounted a passionate defense of veteran stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, insisting the duo earned their spots the hard way ahead of India’s 2026 ODI series against New Zealand.

Addressing the relentless scrutiny surrounding the senior batters, Kaif recalled how critics previously questioned Sharma’s international survival before every critical knock.

"Nobody handed them a plate and said, 'Take this, go to New Zealand, play there, and have fun.' It wasn't like that," Kaif said in a YouTube video. "It was a very difficult phase, and they used their experience. Remember that England match? People thought, 'Oh, if he gets out here, it's over, this is his last match,' and he scored a hundred there."

Kaif noted that Sharma faced heavier skepticism due to age and physical demands from critics. Even so, the opening batter consistently answered doubters with match-winning innings.

"Rohit Sharma at 39 years old had more pressure on him that if he doesn't do it, bring in other players," Kaif explained. "For Rohit Sharma, there was so much talk that 'He doesn't have fitness, how will he play 50 overs of ODI?' But the man scored a 100, and after fielding for 50 overs he scored a 100!"

The former India batter also emphasized that both icons deserve far greater respect for their longevity and global influence rather than constant speculation over their retirements.

"First of all, we must respect such great players who have had a legacy in Indian cricket, who have left a mark, who have inspired youngsters," Kaif added. "Although they didn't get it, they also had to pass through a trial by fire. I salute both of them for their commitment, their fighting spirit... both shut mouths by using their bats."

Both veterans bring unmatched resumes into the series. Sharma has amassed 12,120 runs in 291 ODIs at an average of 49.26, including 35 centuries and 63 fifties. Kohli remains the most prolific run-scorer in modern cricket history, tallying 15,109 ODI runs in 317 matches at an average of 58.78, alongside a world-record 55 hundreds.

"Players who play on merit can be more successful here" - Mohammad Kaif backs Kohli, Gill to succeed on modern Kiwi conditions

Kaif believes Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill hold an advantage in New Zealand due to their compact approach of playing on merit. Kaif noted that while Sharma takes aerial risks, Kohli and Gill rely on conventional stroke play.

"There I feel overall you will get a good batting pitch... players like Virat Kohli are compact, they play on merit; they will flick a leg ball, punch, hit drives. Shubman Gill too, he plays on merit," Kaif noted. "Rohit Sharma is different from these two; Rohit Sharma takes a bit more chance, hits shots in the air, pulls, hits sixes over fine leg... But these two batsmen, I feel players who play on merit can be more successful here."

"We went in 2003, brother, when we toured there, people were fighting for 150-160 runs. But these conditions have changed so much. You don't get those green-top pitches anymore because everyone knows runs should be scored, even the broadcaster knows that if runs are made, the public comes, fans come. So conditions will definitely not be like 2003," Kaif added.

The five-match ODI series between India and New Zealand will get underway on November 4 in Auckland.

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