If Kohli and Rohit play well, only then India will be able to win matches in Champions Trophy 2025: Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif feels that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's form will be very crucial for India as they look to go the distance in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The two experienced batters have recently struggled in the red-ball format, but Kaif has urged the fans to offer their support as they strive for a turnaround.

Kaif highlighted the role played by the two stalwarts during India's ODI World Cup campaign in 2023 when they reached the finals. Kohli and Rohit were the top two run-getters at the marquee event. The former India cricketer explained how the current India captain and his predecessor could complement each other during the Champions Trophy.

"You need Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the Champions Trophy. One is 37 years old, another is 36 years old. They are not going to play longer. Whatever they play, give them your blessings because they are great players of white-ball cricket who won’t play too long," Kaif said in his recent YouTube video.

"They will contribute. If they play well, then only you’ll be able to win matches in Dubai. Rohit provides the start by batting faster in the beginning and Virat Kohli uses that start to bat till the end and scores there. Give them your love," he added.

Kaif also pointed out that Rohit and Kohli are accustomed to dealing with the pressure that comes with international tournaments.

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Rohit and Kohli had underwhelming outings in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. The former scored just 31 runs in five innings. Meanwhile, Kohli finished with 190 runs from nine innings. The Asian giants lost the five-match series by a 1-3 margin to relinquish the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years.

The two batters are set to represent their domestic sides in the Ranji Trophy. Rohit has linked up with the Mumbai side which will face Jammu & Kashmir at the MCA-BKC ground, starting on Thursday, January 23. Meanwhile, Kohli will be in action in Delhi's match against Railways, which begins next week. Both batters will want to get back among the runs ahead of the all-important Champions Trophy.