The former Indian batter, Mohammad Kaif, felt that it would be hard for the BCCI selection committee to set a benchmark for Rohit Sharma’s selection post the three-match ODI series against Australia down under. He was recently removed from the 50-over leadership as Shubman Gill became the new captain.

Kaif reckoned that it would be hard to expect consistency from Rohit Sharma, something which is associated with Virat Kohli, who will also return to the national side for the first time since the Champions Trophy 2025 final. They both have retired from the shortest and longest formats of the game and have one aim to feature for the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

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“People are saying that Virat Kohli will be assessed, but I think that is something which will apply to Rohit Sharma. Rohit is not captaining, and the way he has been playing over the years, scoring 20 to 30, but when a big match comes, he scores 80, a match-winning knock, that’s how his career has gone. He never scores consistently.” Mohammed Kaif expressed in a video on his YouTube channel.

Mohammed Kaif urges BCCI to set different benchmark for Rohit Sharma’s ODI selection

Kaif observes that in the 50-over format, Rohit always looks to provide the national side aggressive starts inside the powerplay, and that doesn’t help him in getting a strong average. The Mumbai batter smashed 76 against New Zealand in the final and walked away with the Player of the Match award in Dubai.

The difference between him and Kohli in their numbers is that Kohli brings consistency, while Rohit brings match-winning innings and knocks. It will be difficult for the selectors. What if Rohit fails in the Australia series? People will say he is out of form, but if you look at his career, he often fails in two or three innings and then comes back strong.” Kaif remarked.

“In the World Cup, you will need experienced players. If they’ve decided that they’re not being treated right, and they’re close to retirement, that’s their personal choice. But if both of them play in the World Cup, India’s pride will rise, and match-winning innings will definitely come from their bats.” Mohammed Kaif addressed.