India’s Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (PTI Photo)

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has defended Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid renewed scrutiny over their future, saying India’s focus on replacing experienced players with youngsters simply because they can hit sixes is the wrong approach. The debate resurfaced after Rohit and Kohli endured disappointing returns in India’s opening ODI against England at Edgbaston on Tuesday. Despite India’s victory, neither senior batter made an impact in the chase. Making their return to international cricket, Rohit managed 11 off 21 balls before being dismissed by Sam Curran, while Jofra Archer trapped Kohli lbw for just five. The result, however, marked a positive turnaround for India, who entered the ODI series after suffering a 2-0 whitewash in Ireland and a 4-0 defeat in the T20I series against England. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Kaif said successful teams are built on the right balance between youth and experience rather than an obsession with bringing in younger players. “A wrong trend is going on, where the core principle is to bring youth because they are hitting sixes. But a good and successful team has a blend of youth and experience,” Kaif said. The former batter also pointed to football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, both of whom continue to represent their countries despite approaching the age of 40. “If you look at Ronaldo and Messi, they are around the 40-year-old mark and still playing for their country in a fast-paced game. If they are fit and have the skill set, then why are we after age so much in cricket?” Kaif questioned. Rohit has come under increasing pressure after a lean run in the 50-over format. The India captain has scored only one half-century in seven ODI innings in 2026, while Yashasvi Jaiswal has strengthened his case with two centuries in his last three ODI appearances. With Jaiswal waiting in the wings, the remainder of the England series is likely to have a significant bearing on India’s long-term opening combination, even as Kaif urged selectors to value experience alongside youth.