Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif shares his observations on a tense post-match scene involving Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and head coach Gautam Gambhir, revealing that the duo now places their respect in their own hands.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif recently provided commentary on an eye-opener after India's nail-biting 9-wicket victory against Australia in the third ODI. Kaif noticed what he called subtle tension between batting greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir during the post-game presentation ceremony.
It was reported by Kaif that Virat was on the phone when Rohit, carrying the Player of the Match and Player of the Series trophies, passed Gambhir by without even sharing a smile. Kaif viewed the moment as an indication of the veterans' frame of mind: their place in the team and respect now hinge solely on their performance on the field.
Rohit Sharma, who had recently relinquished the captaincy, showed that his sole attention was on batting.
Ending the tour as India's leading run-scorer with 202 runs at 101, Rohit received both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards in the last ODI.
Rohit's performance stilled retirement rumors from critics who had questioned his role in India's ODI unit.
Kaif further said that such success at this point in a career emphasizes the extent to which Rohit and Virat are again in a situation where stable runs ensure their place in the side.
Virat Kohli's strategy was a mirror image of Rohit's. Kaif noted that after the game, Kohli was deeply involved in a conversation on the phone, a subtle but revealing indicator of his prioritization of performance over ceremonial interaction.
"It is now obvious that they have made their respect their own prerogative. If I get runs, then I will play," Kaif posted on his YouTube channel.
The retired cricketer compared the early international days of these players to the beginning and declining stages of their careers, stressing that in both phases of their careers, the players survive on runs and individual responsibility to remain a part of the team.
India's ODI series had been in a dire state, with Australia already ahead 2-0 and a whitewash very much in the cards. Shubman Gill's maiden ODI captaincy assignment had all but ended in misery as he was found struggling with the bat, scoring merely 24 runs off 26 deliveries.
Enter Virat and Rohit, who pulled off a stunning rescue. The duo added an unbeaten 168-run stand for the second wicket, taking India to a nine-wicket victory. Rohit did not get out and was left on 121 off 125 balls, and Virat contributed a brilliant 74* off 81, helping India save face and prove the long-term worth of experience and calmness.
Kaif stressed that at this point, cricket for Rohit and Virat is not about friendship and more about responsibility.
"When you are a newcomer, you know that nobody is going to be behind you, and you have to deliver to remain in the team. They have the same mindset again towards the end of their career. It's like, 'Yaha koi dost yaar nahi hai, main Hindustan ke liye khelunga'," he explained.
That is, the duo's emphasis is on personal contribution and upholding their legacy so that they demonstrate respect on the field is achieved, not awarded.
