Mohammad Kaif Hails Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma After Ranchi ODI Masterclass: “Kohli Has Zidd, Rohit Proves Age Is Just a Number”

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif lavished praise on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after their outstanding performances in India’s dominant win against South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi. Kohli’s brilliant 83rd international century and Rohit’s historic six-hitting world record powered India to a massive 349/8 after being put in to bat by Aiden Markram.
⭐ Kaif: “Kohli has a zidd to silence critics”
Kaif highlighted Kohli’s fierce determination, stating on X (Twitter):
“Virat Kohli has a zidd to prove his critics wrong… King for a reason.”
He went on to call Kohli’s innings a masterclass in ODI pacing, noting the batter’s ability to set the tempo with attacking strokeplay, anchor the innings as wickets fell, and unleash full aggression after crossing his hundred.
Kohli scored his 52nd ODI century, extending his all-time ODI hundred record and reaffirming his elite status in world cricket.
⭐ Rohit Sharma breaks all-time ODI sixes record
Rohit Sharma delivered another power-packed performance, forming a 136-run stand with Kohli. In the process:
• He broke Shahid Afridi’s record of 351 sixes
• Became the all-time leading six-hitter in ODI history
• Became the fastest player to reach 350 ODI sixes, achieving it in just 277 matches
Kaif applauded Rohit’s continued excellence:
“Rohit Sharma is letting his bat do the talking — telling the world that age is just a number.”
At 38, Rohit continues to dominate ODI cricket with remarkable consistency.
⭐ India post 349 thanks to Kohli’s 83rd international ton
Kohli’s knock ensured India put up an imposing 349/8 in 50 overs. His crisp strokeplay, precise rotation of strike, and controlled acceleration laid the perfect platform.
Rohit’s six-hitting display electrified the crowd, while India’s middle order added valuable runs despite late wickets.
⭐ Kaif on captaincy: “Kohli went one step ahead of Dhoni”
A day earlier, Kaif had drawn comparisons between Kohli and MS Dhoni, stating:
“Virat Kohli went one step ahead than MS Dhoni… His aggression stood out and he demanded players take 20 wickets to win Tests.”
Kaif praised Kohli’s leadership for:
• Backing fast bowlers at home and overseas
• Maintaining a strong core group
• Implementing opposition-specific strategies
• Losing only two Tests at home in seven years
He credited Kohli for maximizing India’s pace resources, especially Bumrah, Shami, and Ishant Sharma.
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