When it comes to T20, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have left Indian cricket in safe hands, says Mohammad Kaif
Stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from T20I cricket after Team India's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, Mohammad Kaif reckons the duo has left Indian cricket in safe hands in the T20 format.
The Men in Blue beat South Africa by 11 runs in the third T20I at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday, November 13. Batting first, the visitors put up 219-6 on the board and then held the Proteas to 208-7. Tilak Varma (107* off 56) hit his maiden T20I ton in the game, while Abhishek Sharma (50 off 25) also impressed.
Reacting to India's victory in Centurion, which saw them take a 2-1 lead in the four-match series, Kaif took to his official X handle and asserted that Indian cricket is in safe hands in T20Is. The former India batter's post read:
"Watching Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson score runs in South Africa's tough batting conditions must be pleasing for Virat and Rohit. When it comes to T20, they have left Indian cricket in safe hands. #SAvIND."
While Varma smashed eight fours and seven sixes in his excellent knock, Abhishek struck three fours and five sixes in his whirlwind half-century. Sanju Samson began the T20I series with a hundred in Durban but has been dismissed without scoring in the last two matches.
"It was for Suryakumar" - Tilak Varma on flying kiss celebration in IND vs SA 2024 3rd T20I
After reaching his maiden T20I hundred, Varma was understandably elated and even blew a flying kiss towards the Indian dugout. Speaking at the match, the youngster opened up on the celebration and revealed:
"It (flying kiss) was for Suryakumar, our captain. He has given me opportunity to bat at No.3. Because I love to bat at that spot, and last 2 matches I batted at No.4. But before this match, he came to my room and said that 'you're going to bat at No.3. It's a good opportunity, so express yourself'."
While Varma played a terrific knock, Suryakumar was dismissed for one off four balls. In the previous two T20Is as well, the Indian captain perished for low scores of 21 and four respectively. Meanwhile, the fourth and final match of the India vs South Africa series will be played at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday, November 15.