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IND vs SA: Virat Kohli won the Player of the Series award as India beat South Africa 2-1 on Saturday. (AP)
After Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma lit up the series decider with crucial half-centuries in a 273-run chase in Visakhapatnam on Saturday evening to trump South Africa, former India batter Mohammed Kaif has reiterated the importance of the two stalwarts in the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
While Rohit put on a 155-run stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal – who slammed his maiden century – and smashed a flawless 75, Kohli continued his supreme form in the series as he butchered the Proteas pacers on his way to an unbeaten 67. Backing up his two centuries with a splendid fifty, Kohli finished the year as India’s highest run-getter in the format, one ahead of Rohit’s 650 runs in 2025.
‘Walking and scoring runs’
Kaif said that Kohli made a statement with his knocks in the series, claiming that the former India captain could extend his career even past the 2027 World Cup in the format.
“After scoring two back-to-back hundreds, Kohli was walking and scoring runs today and hitting shots. He was ready to score three hundreds as well. He is playing to make a statement. The intent he showed today shows that whatever doubt you have about 2027, he will go beyond that as well. Leave 2027, he will play more and without him, and Rohit, you can never win the World Cup,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
Kaif also lauded Rohit for switching back to a calmer avatar in the series, moving a step away from his previously uber-aggressive self in his last two years as one-day captain.
“Rohit never played like this before. He saw the situation and took time. He was also trying to hit boundaries every 15-20 balls. He did not look to play a cameo but a big knock. He is not the captain now. Now he is looking to play long. He is valuing his wicket a lot more now. Rohit is also showing that he can play big and can take the challenge,” he added.
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Kohli picked up the Player of the Series award after India won the contest 2-1, matching up to Rohit, who won the accolade during India’s tour to Australia.
“When I play freely, I know I can hit sixes. Just wanted to push my boundaries and do well. The first innings was the best this series. I hadn’t played since Australia, just the energy on the day helps take risks. That opened me up in a way I’ve not felt in a while. Must-win brings the best out of us. I want to make a play. Happy Rohit and I can help the team even now,” Kohli said in the post-match chat.
English (US) ·