Shahid Afridi Revives Feud with Gautam Gambhir, Backs Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli for ODI World Cup 2027

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The former Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi stirs up rivalry with India's head coach Gautam Gambhir. He remarked that Gambhir thinks that his decisions are always right and noted that some of his recent decisions took a heavy toll on the team. Additionally, the Pakistani cricketer praised the duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, suggesting that they play in the ODI World Cup 2027.

Backing for Rohit and Kohli's 2027 World Cup Run5

Shahid Afridi has openly supported Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He dismissed any attempts to sideline the two legends from the Indian ODI. Afridi claimed they are the backbone of the team and should continue until the 2027 World Cup. He said, “It’s a fact that Virat and Rohit are the backbone of the Indian batting line-up. The way they have played in the recent ODI series, it can confidently be said that they can play until the 2027 World Cup.”

He further suggested to the management that “You need to preserve both these stars. When India is playing against a weaker team, they can try some new players and rest Virat and Rohit.”

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Afridi also expressed his happiness about Rohit overhauling his record for the most sixes in ODI cricket. He said, “Records are meant to be broken, and this too is now bettered.”

Gambhir's Early Coaching Stint Under Scrutiny

Shahid Afridi also took a subtle dig at Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir. Their long-standing rivalry stems from several on-field clashes during their playing days. According to Afridi, Gambhir showed arrogance at the beginning of his tenure. He criticized Gambhir's attitude towards coaching initially and remarked, “The way Gautam started his stint, it looked like he thought that what he thinks and says is right.”

He concluded by stating that this belief was proven wrong over time. Afridi finished by saying, “... but after some time, it was proved that you are not always right.” Gambhir's early coaching stint has seen mixed results. India won the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup but lost the Test series at home against New Zealand and South Africa. Gambhir has defended the Kolkata pitch after a Test loss.

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