Kaif believes RO-KO presence would have been beneficial for Abhishek Sharma (Source: x)
After clearing out the group stage with an unbeaten streak, Team India has now shifted focus to the Super Eight stage, but Abhishek Sharma’s poor form is a growing concern. The opener has endured a rough patch, registering three ducks in the three matches.
As the cricket world is criticizing his lean patch, the former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif came up with some special advice. Reflecting on Abhishek Sharma's ongoing struggle, he said that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s presence in the squad would have helped him in this tough time.
Mohammad Kaif reveals how ROKO could have changed Abhishek Sharma's fate
After winning the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli bid adieu to the shortest format of the game. Two years later, India entered the T20 World Cup 2026 and finished the group stage unbeaten. As they have already set their eyes on the next stage, opener Abhishek Sharma’s horrible run has become a massive concern.
The young opener is set to score a run in the ongoing tournament, as he scored three ducks in three games. His repeated failures have drawn heavy criticism, putting him under immense pressure. As the youngster is in a tough spot, former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif revealed what would have helped Abhishek to revive his form.
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Coming up with advice for the opener, Mohammad Kaif said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s presence would have been helpful for Abhishek Sharma. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he added that their years of experience could have guided him and eased his tough phase.
“Looking at Abhishek's current form, where he has scored three ducks, he is yet to open his mark. At this time, you feel the absence of players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. When Virat was in the team, he used to talk to Shubman Gill about batting. We have seen the visuals of younger players speaking to Rohit and Virat,” Mohammad Kaif said.
India is still searching for next Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli as the void remains huge
Over the years, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have transformed themselves into legends. Just not cricketing achievements, they became one of the biggest strengths of the squad. Although new players have stepped in after their T20I retirement, their absence is still deeply felt in the team.
Reflecting on Abhishek Sharma’s mental state, Mohammad Kaif said the visionary guidance of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could have boosted his confidence. Adding to this, he also stated that the presence of senior players like them is priceless for the youngsters.
“When such players are there in the team, junior players benefit a lot. Looking at Abhishek's mental state, he would have benefited from having players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma there. Virat would himself tell you about the foot movement and the importance of rotating the strike. It's easier to say that remove these two; we have found the replacement, but you haven't,” Mohammad Kaif said.
India to face tough Super Eight test as real challenge begins
Men in Blue wrapped up their group stage campaign with ease, but a few key concerns still need attention. Despite their bowling brilliance, the top-order struggles remain an issue and may require changes. As the Super Eight stage is all set to commence soon, the challenges will be bigger for Suryakumar Yadav and Co.
Being placed in Group A, Team India will face South Africa, the West Indies, and Zimbabwe, who are all unbeaten in the group stage. Each team has shown great character, setting the stage for an intense battle ahead. India will begin their Super Eight campaign against South Africa on February 22.
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