Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif you defended Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Amid renewed scrutiny over his future, he says India’s focus on replacing experienced players with youngsters just because they can hit sixes is the wrong approach. The debate resurfaces after Rohit and Kohli suffered disappointing returns in India’s opening ODI against England at Edgbaston on Tuesday. Despite India’s win, neither senior batsman made an impact in the chase. Making his return to international cricket, Rohit managed 11 off 21 balls before being dismissed by Sam Curran, while Jofra Archer trapping Kohli lbw for just five. The result, however, marked a positive turnaround for India, who entered the ODI series after suffering a 2-0 whitewash in Ireland and a 4-0 defeat in the T20I series against England. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Kaif said that successful teams are built on the right balance between youth and experience rather than an obsession with bringing in younger players. “A wrong trend is going on, where the core principle is to bring youth because they are hit by sixes. But a good and successful team has a mixture of youth and experience,” said Kaif. The former batsman also pointed to football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messiboth continue to represent their countries despite approaching the age of 40. “If you look at Ronaldo and Messi, they are around the 40-year mark and still play for their country in a fast-paced game. If they are fit and have the skill, then why are we behind the age so much in cricket.” Kaif asked. Rohit has come under mounting pressure after a meager run in the 50-over format. The India captain scored only one half-century in seven ODI innings in 2026, while Yashasvi Jaiswal strengthened his case with two centuries in his last three ODI appearances. With Jaiswal waiting in the wings, the rest of the series in England is likely to have a significant impact on India’s long-term opening combination, even as Kaif urged the selectors to value experience alongside youth.