NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has emphasised the significance of veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for India’s campaign in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The duo, who excelled as India’s top run-getters in the 2023

ODI World Cup

, remain pivotal to the team’s success despite nearing the twilight of their careers.

"Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli holding the tricolor, that picture is etched in my mind," Kaif recalled, while speaking on his YouTube channel. "They looked determined after losing the ODI World Cup final and went on to win the

T20 World Cup

. You need them for the Champions Trophy. One is 37 years old, another is 36. They won't play much longer. Give them your blessings because they are great players who still have much to offer."
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Kaif highlighted their contrasting yet complementary styles. "Rohit provides the start by batting faster, and Kohli builds on that foundation, batting till the end. If they play well, only then you can win matches in Dubai."
He also warned about challenging conditions in Dubai, where the average first-innings score in ODIs has been just 198 in the last 10 games. "Batting is tough in Dubai. India must adapt well to win matches there," he stated.

Contrasting Dubai with Pakistan, Kaif noted the batting-friendly nature of pitches across the border. "In Pakistan, the average first-innings score is nearly 300, and the flat conditions favour batters like Klaasen, de Kock, and Markram. Teams need strong bowling to succeed there."
Kaif's remarks underscore the pressure on Team India to capitalise on the experience of their stalwarts and adapt to varying conditions to secure victory in the Champions Trophy.