Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has firmly backed India’s senior duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, declaring them the “backbone” of the national ODI side and insisting they should be retained until the 2027 ODI World Cup. In an interview with Telecom Asia Sport on Monday, Afridi urged the Indian team management to preserve the two legends for big series and tournaments while experimenting with younger players only against weaker opposition.

Afridi, who famously clashed with Gautam Gambhir on the field during their playing days, took a subtle dig at India’s current head coach. “When Gautam started, it looked like he believed whatever he thinks and says is always right, but time has proved that you are not always right,” the 45-year-old said, referring to India’s recent struggles in white-ball cricket and reports of dressing-room friction over the future of Rohit and Kohli.

The Pakistani great also celebrated Rohit Sharma surpassing his long-standing record for most sixes in ODI cricket. Rohit hit his 352nd, 353rd, 354th, and 355th maximums during the ongoing series against South Africa, overtaking Afridi’s tally of 351 sixes in 398 matches with just 279 appearances. “Records are meant to be broken. I am happy that a player I have always liked has done it,” Afridi said, recalling how he spotted Rohit’s talent while playing together for Deccan Chargers in IPL 2008. “Even in the nets I could see his class. I knew one day he would play for India and become a classy batter.”

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Afridi’s comments come amid intense debate in Indian cricket circles about transitioning the ODI team ahead of the 2027 World Cup, with some voices advocating rest or retirement for the 38-year-old Rohit and 37-year-old Kohli after the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, Afridi argued that dropping the duo would be premature, citing their match-winning abilities and experience as irreplaceable assets in high-stakes ICC events.

With Rohit recently reclaiming the ODI captaincy and both batsmen still central to India’s plans for the Champions Trophy in February-March 2026, Afridi’s endorsement from across the border has added weight to the argument that India’s most successful limited-overs pair deserves to script their own farewell on the biggest stage.

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