Former Indian cricket stars Mohammad Kaif and Irfan Pathan have heaped praise on skipper Rohit Sharma after a commanding batting display sealed a series victory for India against South Africa. Sharma's 75-run innings in the decisive third ODI in Visakhapatnam was not just about runs; it was a statement silencing doubts about his future in the 50-over format.
A Captain's Knock and a Major Milestone
Chasing a target of 271, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a flawless start. The duo constructed a massive 155-run partnership at a run-a-ball pace, effectively dismantling the South African bowling attack. During his 73-ball stay at the crease, which included seven fours and three sixes, Rohit Sharma crossed the monumental landmark of 20,000 runs in international cricket.
This partnership with Jaiswal marked Rohit's 35th century opening stand in ODIs, placing him second on the all-time list behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who has 40 such partnerships.
Veterans Applaud the 'Hitman's' Resilience
The 38-year-old's form, especially after retiring from Tests and T20Is, had sparked discussions about his longevity and role leading up to the 2027 World Cup. However, his recent tally of 340 runs in his last five ODI innings speaks volumes about his consistency and hunger.
Taking to social media platform X, Mohammad Kaif dismissed any talk of Rohit's decline, writing, "Hitman isn't going anywhere! Has plenty left in the tank.. pillar of indian cricket." Irfan Pathan echoed the sentiment, highlighting the batsman's control and mastery, "Unreal consistency at the age of 38 by Rohit sharma. He is in total control."
Comprehensive Victory Seals the Series
Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to field, India bowled out South Africa for 270 runs in 47.5 overs. The chase was a masterclass in top-order batting. While Rohit fell for 75, young Yashasvi Jaiswal remained unbeaten on a superb 116 runs. Virat Kohli also contributed a solid 65, as India cruised to a comfortable nine-wicket win with plenty of overs to spare.
This victory gave India the three-match series 2-1, providing a strong finish to the home leg. The performance, led by their experienced captain, sends a powerful message about the team's depth and the unwavering class of its senior stalwarts.
