Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has once again sparked controversy by renewing his long-running tensions with Gautam Gambhir, while strongly backing Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. In an interview with Telecom Asia Sport, Afridi said attempts to sideline India’s senior-most batters were “illogical” given their continued dominance in ODI cricket.

Afridi called Rohit and Kohli the backbone of India’s batting, praising their recent form. “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 said. According to him, India should rotate the senior pair only during low-pressure bilateral series. “You need to preserve these stars. When India is playing against a weaker team, they can try some new players and rest Virat and Rohit,” he suggested.

Afridi takes swipe at Gambhir

Afridi didn’t hold back while commenting on India head coach Gautam Gambhir, hinting at overconfidence in the early period of his tenure. “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,” he said.

India’s performance under Gambhir has been mixed — the team clinched the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup titles but suffered Test series defeats at home to New Zealand and South Africa.

Afridi praises Rohit for breaking ODI sixes record

Speaking on Rohit Sharma surpassing his record for most sixes in ODIs, Afridi was generous with his praise. “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,” he said. Rohit overtook Afridi’s tally of 351 sixes during India’s second ODI against South Africa in Raipur and now has 355 sixes.

Afridi also recalled his early admiration for Rohit during their time at Deccan Chargers in the first IPL season. “During practice sessions, I watched him bat, and his class impressed me. I knew that one day Rohit would play for India, and he has proved himself as a classy batter.”