“You need to preserve both these stars” - Shahid Afridi opens up on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has opened up on the Indian talismanic batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s future in the Indian ODI side ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Afridi lauded the Indian batting duo Kohli and Rohit for their exceptional heroics in the recently concluded three-match South Africa ODI series, which India sealed by 2-1. Notably, Kohli was adjudged the player of the series for two centuries and an unbeaten half-century. 

On the other hand, Rohit was recently awarded the player of the series against Australia Down Under. Additionally, Afridi also stated that the Indian team management should preserve the Indian veteran batting duo and rest them against weak sides.

"It's a fact that Virat and Rohit are the backbone of the Indian batting line-up, and the way they have played in the recent ODI series, it can confidently be said that they can play until the 2027 World Cup," Afridi said as quoted by Telecom Asia Sport.

"You need to preserve both these stars, and when India is playing against a weaker team, they can try some new players and rest Virat and Rohit," he added.

On the other hand, Afridi also slammed the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, who is having a poor red-ball record as a coach. Interestingly, Gambhir and Afridi had multiple on-field clashes during their playing days.

"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,” Afridi stated.

Notably, India will take on South Africa in the five-match T20I series, starting on Tuesday, December 9, in Cuttack.

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