Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif believes this is the last chance for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to win the T20 World Cup title. While Rohit was part of India’s winning run in the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup, Kohli is yet to win a T20 World Cup title.
Both Rohit and Virat were at their best in the ODI World Cup 2023 but India could not cross the last hurdle against Australia. Rohit scored 597 runs in 11 matches of the World Cup 2023 at an average of 54.27 and a blistering strike rate of 125.95. The talisman scored three fifties and one century in the ODI showpiece.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli finished the tournament as the highest run-getter with 765 runs in 11 matches at an average of 95.62 and a strike rate of 90.32. Ergo, he was awarded Player of the tournament for his consistent performances.
“Rohit Sharma knows he isn’t going to play for too long now. Just two to three years more. Same with Virat Kohli,” Kaif said on Star Sports.
“So this is the last chance for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They lost the World Cup final in Ahmedabad. They played as if they had the cup snatched away from them. Hearts were broken and fans were devastated.”
India is pitted with Ireland, Pakistan, Canada, and the USA in Group A and Kaif reckons it’s all about bringing the best in the all-important semifinal and final.
“India hardly has competition in the group stage. There are only two main matches – the semi-final and the final. Are you ready for those two days? That’s the biggest test for Rohit Sharma,” Kaif added.
While Kohli has scored 4037 runs in 117 T20I matches at an average of 51.76, Rohit has amassed 3974 runs in 151 matches at an average of 31.29.
Virat Kohli was once again at his absolute best for RCB, scoring 741 runs in 15 innings at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69 in IPL 2024. Thus, he finished the tournament as the highest run-getter and won the Orange Cap award.
On the other hand, Rohit Sharma was Mumbai Indians’ top-scorer with 417 runs in 14 matches of IPL 2024 at an average of 32.08 and a strike rate of 150.
