Rohit Sharma backed by ex‑players after 79‑run innings versus Afghanistan

Former India cricketers Mohammad Kaif and Mohit Sharma defended veteran opener Rohit Sharma, urging fans to stop questioning his place in the ODI side. Kaif said, "Can't really understand why so many people want Rohit Sharma to fail," after Sharma's 79 runs off 69 balls helped India chase down 219 in the third ODI against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on June 20‑21, 2026. Mohit Sharma added that "the questions being raised should stop" following the same performance.

India completed a 3‑0 series sweep with a dominant nine‑wicket victory, while top‑order partners Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal also shone, creating a selection headache for the team management ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The side will next face England in a three‑match ODI series starting 14 July.