Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif feels that Indian cricket does not respect and value experience and are always keen on transitioning to younger options across formats. The question marks surrounding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli emerged again after their poor outings with the bat in the first ODI against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Tuesday, July 14.

The veteran duo were back in international colors, but could not make an impression during the run chase. Rohit Sharma scored a sluggish 21-ball 11, before being dismissed by Sam Curran, while Jofra Archer trapped Virat Kohli LBW for just five runs.

Mohammad Kaif noted how legendary footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are still the stalwarts for their respective national sides, and are valued by both the team and fans. However, he mentioned that the same adoration is not translated to cricket, as the question of moving on is presented after they hit a certain stage.

Rohit Sharma, in particular, is under some pressure now as he has only one fifty in the seven ODI outings in 2026 so far. With Yashasvi Jasiwal, who has two hundreds in his last three outings, waiting on the sidelines, the ongoing series could prove to be crucial in India's plans for the opening combination.

The former cricketer also named 36-year-old all-rounder Liam Dawson, who rescued England's innings while batting at No.8 alongside fellow veteran Joe Root. The hosts were struggling at 107-6, before the duo put up a 121-run partnership to salvage the side. Liam Dawson scored 68 runs off 83 deliveries, his highest score in ODIs.

Team India will face England in the second ODI of the series at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, on Thursday, July 16.

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