Mohammad Kaif lauds Rohit Sharma after veteran becomes top-ranked ODI batter after AUS vs IND 2025 series

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif showered praise on Rohit Sharma after the opener grabbed the number one position in the ICC ODI rankings. Kaif highlighted that Rohit never desired to become the World No.1 batter in the rankings.

Rohit has scored three double centuries in the ODI format and he has been a consistent performer in the 50-over format over the years. Furthermore, the Indian opener scored five centuries in the 2019 World Cup in England but still didn’t get the top spot in the rankings. 

Meanwhile, Rohit scored an unbeaten knock of 121 runs off just 125 balls in the third ODI against Australia. This was Rohit’s 33rd ODI century as he batted at the top of his game and squashed any rumours regarding his ODI future. Rohit scored 13 fours and three sixes in his brilliant knock as he once again delivered for the team. 

Rohit scored 202 runs in three matches of the series at an average of 101 and thus bagged the Player of the Series award.

Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube Channel, “The No. 1 ODI ranking has walked up to Rohit Sharma’s doorstep. He never desired to become the No. 1 batter in the world. He never made any statement about wanting that. His statements were always about one thing: that the team should win, that India should win, and that India should finish on top. That was his true aspiration when he was captain.”

“He always said that impactful, match-winning knocks, no matter who plays them, make that player a hero for him, for the team, and for India. That was his consistent message. When Rohit became India’s ODI captain, the team was ranked No. 4 in the world. By the time he stepped down, India had become the No. 1 ODI side. Similarly, when he took charge of the T20I team, India was ranked No. 2, and when he left, they were No. 1,” he added.

“He always prioritized India, thinking about how the team could move forward and how it could win. That was his dream, and he fulfilled it. That’s why people admire him so much and regard him as a great captain.”

Kaif highlighted that Rohit has always put his personal records on the back burner, and the team’s success has been a priority for him.

“Even today, if you tell Rohit Sharma, “Congratulations, you’ve become the No. 1 ODI batter,” he would probably just shrug it off and say, “Come on, man, move on. It’s fine.” It was never his personal ambition. His only wish was for the team to rise and become No. 1, and he made that happen.”

“After India lost the 2023 World Cup final to Australia, they faced them again in 2024. You might remember that over from Mitchell Starc when Rohit smashed him for 29 runs in one over, including four boundaries, completely turning the game around. India went on to win that match, Rohit was named Player of the Match, and India went on to win the World Cup,” he added.

Rohit will be next seen in action in the three-match ODI series against South Africa.