Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif reckons India will need collective effort to win the ODI World Cup and they can not rely solely on the shoulders of Virat Kohli. Kaif highlighted that Kohli is going to be India’s main player, but others will need to contribute.
Kohli was the leading run-scorer in the 2023 ODI World Cup with 765 runs in 11 matches at an average of 95.62 and a strike rate of 90.32. Thus, he played a key role in getting India to the final of the tournament but they could not cross the last hurdle against Australia.
Kohli has amassed 1795 runs in the World Cup, and he is the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history after Sachin Tendulkar, who has amassed 2278 runs.
Mohammad Kaif said to Hindustan Times, “One player will not win you the World Cup abroad; Kohli is the main player, but a lot of others will need to help. Tendulkar was our main batter (2003 World Cup in South Africa), but if you check the matches, others also contributed.”
On the other hand, the former UP batter also urged the selectors and the team management to include Mohammad Shami in the ODI squad. Shami had scalped 24 wickets in seven matches of the ODI showpiece in 2023 and he was the leading wicket-taker of the competition.
“Shami had a big impact in the 2023 tournament. In Africa, you will get flat wickets; you need experienced players. Shami is a skilful bowler. He is an ICC event bowler; he has performed in every World Cup,” said Kaif (via the aforementioned source).
“Whatever protocols are there for a comeback, he is doing it. He is playing domestic, bowling 20 overs, which means he is fit. Age is not the criterion; it is your performance and fitness, how long a spell you can bowl, and whether you can contribute to the team’s win. Australia is playing a Test; what is the age of their bowlers?”
India will begin their ODI World Cup campaign against Australia on October 7, 2027, in Cape Town.
