Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif slammed the Indian team management and the critics for causing unrest when veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli record poor scores in just a couple of matches during the run to the ODI World Cup 2027. The pair were once again under the spotlight during the recently concluded England tour, where the Men in Blue suffered a 1-2 series loss.

The build-up for the third ODI was dominated by speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma's future. A report claimed that the Hitman was not in the scheme of things after a couple of poor scores in the first two ODIs, with the team management informing him of the same.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had to step in with a statement to dispel the rumors, before Rohit Sharma himself responded strongly with a stunning hundred in the third ODI at Lord's, on Sunday, July 19. With Virat Kohli also recording consecutive half-centuries after his poor outing in the series opener in Birmingham, the veteran duo have momentum on their side now.

Mohammad Kaif stated that important figures in Indian cricketing structure, like the BCCI top-brass and captain Shubman Gill should outrightly and publicly back Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to put the constant speculation to an end.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli kept Team India alive in the attempt to chase down a steep target of 388 in the series decider. The pair were involved in a brilliant 113-run partnership of 86 deliveries for the second wicket, but the visitors eventually fell short by 27 runs.

The former batter also outlined how Rohit Sharma battled pressure, but still stepped up to send a massive statement to his doubters, and forcing the team management to continue backing him into the World Cup.

Team India's next ODI assignment is scheduled for September, when they face the West Indies in a three-match series at home.

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