In comments published by Telecom Asia Sport, Afridi dismissed suggestions that India should begin phasing out its veteran batting icons. He insisted that both Rohit and Kohli remain central to India’s ODI ambitions and should continue as the team’s backbone through the 2027 World Cup. “It’s a fact that Virat and Rohit are the backbone of the Indian batting line-up,” he said, noting their performances in the recent ODI series as proof of their longevity. Afridi added that the team management should rest the two stars only against weaker sides to test younger players without compromising on major contests.
Afridi also used the occasion to take a veiled dig at Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, with whom he shared a contentious on-field rivalry during their playing careers. Criticising Gambhir’s approach to his coaching role, Afridi remarked, “The way Gautam started his stint, it looked like he thought that what he thinks and says is right, but after some time, it was proved that you are not always right.”
Reflecting on Rohit’s feat, Afridi was gracious in celebrating the record’s fall. “Records are meant to be broken,” he said, recalling that his own record for the fastest ODI century survived nearly 18 years before eventually being surpassed. He expressed particular fondness for Rohit, recalling their time together at the Deccan Chargers during the 2008 IPL season. “During practice sessions of the Chargers, I watched him bat, and his class impressed me. I knew that one day Rohit would play for India, and he has proved himself as a classy batter.”
Afridi’s remarks underscore the mutual respect shared across national boundaries in cricket’s global fraternity, even amid long-standing rivalries. As Rohit extends his lead in ODI six-hitting and India weighs its roadmap for the next World Cup, Afridi’s endorsement adds an influential voice to the discussion on the importance of experience, leadership, and continuity in modern international cricket.
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