Shahid Afridi mocks Gautam Gambhir; backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for ODI World Cup 2027

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The enduring public feud between former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi and India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has flared up again, with Afridi weighing in on India’s selection strategy for their two most important white-ball players.

Expressing strong reservations about any attempts by the Indian team management to phase out the senior players, Afridi offered unequivocal support for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, endorsing them to extend their careers well into the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.

In addition to offering batting advice, Afridi launched a direct critique of Gambhir’s personality and coaching approach, suggesting that his rigid confidence in his own decision-making has been fundamentally challenged by the Indian team’s recent struggles and underwhelming performances in the difficult and demanding realm of Test cricket, thus highlighting the disparity between expectation and result in the longest format.

Afridi directed pointed criticism at Gambhir’s personal demeanor and the subsequent results, arguing that the coach’s strong-willed approach has not translated into success where it matters most: Test match cricket. Despite achieving notable success in white-ball tournaments like the Champions Trophy, Gambhir’s tenure has been undermined by a highly questionable record in the longest format, providing Afridi with ammunition for his remarks.

Speaking to Telecom Asia Sport, Afridi took aim at the coach’s confidence, saying: “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.”

The official record illustrates the severity of India’s Test struggles under his stewardship, having lost ten and won only seven of the nineteen Tests played so far. This poor run includes an unprecedented 0-3 home whitewash against New Zealand and a recent 0-2 home defeat to South Africa, forming part of a rare history of home losses for India. Furthermore, the team conceded the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia, losing 1-3 away, with their only Test series victories coming exclusively against lower-ranked teams like Bangladesh and the West Indies on home soil.

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Afridi asserted that the Indian team management should recognize the fundamental importance of Kohli and Rohit and ensure their continuity through the next major ODI tournament. The charismatic former all-rounder emphasized that any effort to exclude the batting stalwarts from India’s 50-over plans would be counterproductive, particularly given their recent high-level output. Afridi was firm in his conviction regarding their indispensability, stating unequivocally: “It’s a fact that Virat and Rohit are the backbone of the Indian batting line-line, 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.”

He advised that the team management should approach their rest periods strategically, suggesting rotation should be strictly limited to matches against weaker opposition to preserve their peak form: “You need to preserve both these stars. When India is playing against a weaker team, they can try some new players and rest Virat and Rohit.” In a separate comment, Afridi graciously acknowledged Rohit’s recent record-breaking feat of surpassing his long-held record for the most sixes in ODI history, remarking: “Records are meant to be broken, and this too is now bettered. I am happy that a player whom I have always liked has broken this record.”

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