Irfan Pathan drops bombshell prediction on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill for NZ ODIs

Irfan Pathan drops bombshell prediction on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill for NZ ODIs

Irfan Pathan Predicts Century Feast from Kohli, Sharma, and Gill in upcoming ODI series

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has added to the excitement surrounding India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand with a bold prediction. Pathan confidently stated that star batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will dominate the ODI stage once again, predicting that both players will hit centuries in the series set to begin on January 11 in Vadodara. Additionally, Pathan backed young Indian captain Shubman Gill to score a century during the series.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI Dominance

Pathan’s prediction is based on the exceptional performance of both Kohli and Sharma in the recent ODI series against South Africa. Kohli was in scintillating form throughout the three-match series, emerging as the highest run-scorer with a total of 302 runs. He smashed consecutive centuries and followed it up with an unbeaten fifty, showcasing impeccable timing, confidence, and a hunger for runs. On the other hand, Sharma also contributed significantly with two half-centuries, aiding India in clinching the ODI series 2-1 against South Africa.

Concerns over Mohammed Shami’s Absence

Despite his optimism for the batsmen, Pathan expressed disappointment over the selectors’ decision to overlook senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. Shami has not featured for India since their ICC Champions Trophy triumph in 2025, despite delivering strong performances in domestic cricket. Notably, Shami emerged as Bengal’s leading wicket-taker in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, showcasing his fitness and form with 15 wickets from seven matches.

Pathan raised concerns about Shami’s future with the national side, emphasizing his impressive record of over 400 international wickets. He questioned the rationale behind sidelining a seasoned player like Shami, especially when his fitness and performance have been consistent. The selectors’ preference for younger fast bowlers like Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna in white-ball cricket, as well as Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj in tests, has left Shami’s future uncertain.

Pathan’s Reflection on Shami’s Situation

Pathan highlighted the significance of Shami’s experience and track record, expressing concern over the treatment of a player with such a remarkable bowling record. He emphasized the challenges faced by senior cricketers when their fitness and form are questioned, despite their proven capabilities on the field. As India looks to groom young talent in the bowling department, the exclusion of a seasoned campaigner like Shami raises questions about the team’s strategy moving forward.

In conclusion, while Pathan remains optimistic about the batting prowess of Kohli, Sharma, and Gill in the upcoming ODI series, his concerns regarding Shami’s absence shed light on the challenges faced by senior players in Indian cricket. The selectors’ decisions and the team’s approach to balancing experience and youth will be closely scrutinized as the series unfolds.

India’s Strong Batting Lineup

Building on Pathan’s prediction, it is essential to note that India possesses one of the strongest batting lineups in international cricket. With the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill leading the charge, the Indian team boasts incredible depth and talent in their batting department. Kohli, often regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world, has a phenomenal record in ODI cricket, consistently scoring runs and setting high standards for himself and his team.

Similarly, Rohit Sharma is known for his ability to score big hundreds and has a knack for performing in crucial matches. His partnership with Kohli at the top of the order has been instrumental in India’s success in limited-overs cricket. Shubman Gill, the young captain, has shown immense potential and maturity beyond his years, making him a promising talent for the future of Indian cricket.

Shami’s Contribution to Indian Cricket

Mohammed Shami’s absence from the upcoming ODI series raises questions about the team’s decision-making process and the treatment of experienced players. Shami has been a key contributor to India’s success in all formats of the game, with his ability to swing the ball and pick up crucial wickets. His absence not only impacts the team’s bowling attack but also deprives the younger bowlers of learning from his expertise and guidance on the field.

It is important for the selectors and team management to recognize the value that players like Shami bring to the table, both in terms of skill and leadership. While the focus on nurturing young talent is crucial for the team’s future, it is equally essential to strike a balance between youth and experience to maintain a winning combination on the field.

Future Prospects for Indian Cricket

As Indian cricket continues to evolve, the team’s strategies and selection policies will play a crucial role in shaping its future. While the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand presents an opportunity for the batsmen to shine, it also serves as a platform to assess the team’s overall performance and decision-making process. The inclusion of young players like Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna reflects India’s focus on grooming talent for the long term.

However, the challenges faced by senior players like Mohammed Shami highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to team selection and management. Balancing the demands of international cricket with the development of young talent requires careful consideration and strategic planning. As fans eagerly await the action-packed series between India and New Zealand, the performances of both established stars and rising talents will provide valuable insights into the future of Indian cricket.

By expanding on Pathan’s predictions and concerns, it becomes evident that the world of cricket is dynamic and constantly evolving, with a mix of experience and youth shaping the landscape of the sport. As India prepares to take on New Zealand in the upcoming ODI series, the spotlight will be on the players to deliver standout performances and on the selectors to make decisions that set the team on a path to success.

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