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

Irfan Pathan Predicts Century Feast from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Upcoming ODI Series against New Zealand

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has stirred up excitement ahead of India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand by boldly predicting that star batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will dominate the stage once again. Pathan made these predictions while speaking to the media at the Mumbai airport.

Pathan confidently stated that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will hit centuries in the series, which is set to kick off on January 11 in Vadodara. Additionally, he expressed his belief in young Indian captain Shubman Gill’s ability to also reach the coveted three-figure mark in the ODI series.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI Dominance

The basis of Pathan’s bold predictions stems from the stellar performances of Rohit and Kohli in the recent ODI series against South Africa. Kohli, in particular, was in scintillating form, emerging as the highest run-scorer with 302 runs. He notched back-to-back centuries and followed it up with an unbeaten fifty, showcasing impeccable timing, confidence, and hunger for runs. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma contributed with two half-centuries, helping India secure a 2-1 series win against South Africa.

Mohammed Shami’s Absence Draws Criticism

While Pathan expressed confidence in the batting prowess of Kohli, Sharma, and Gill, he also voiced disappointment over the omission of senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami from the squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Pathan criticized the selectors’ decision to overlook Shami once again, despite his consistent performances in domestic cricket.

Shami, who last played for India during the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, has been actively participating in domestic competitions. Recently, he emerged as Bengal’s leading wicket-taker in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, showcasing his form and fitness. Pathan raised concerns about Shami’s future with the national side, given his impressive track record of over 400 international wickets.

The Future of Mohammed Shami

Pathan highlighted the significance of Shami’s experience and achievements, emphasizing that a player with such a remarkable record should not face questions about his fitness and future in the team. While India seems to be exploring younger fast bowlers like Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna in white-ball cricket, Pathan expressed his worries about Shami’s exclusion and the need to recognize his contributions to the team’s success.

As India gears up to face New Zealand in the upcoming ODI series, the spotlight remains on the predictions made by Irfan Pathan and the ongoing debate surrounding Mohammed Shami’s absence from the national squad.

The Dynamic Duo of Kohli and Sharma

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been a formidable force in ODI cricket for India, consistently delivering match-winning performances. Kohli, known for his consistency and sheer determination, is often hailed as one of the best batsmen in the world. His ability to chase down targets and anchor the innings makes him a vital asset to the Indian team. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma, with his elegant stroke play and ability to convert starts into big scores, has established himself as a prolific run-scorer at the top of the order.

Together, Kohli and Sharma form a lethal combination, capable of dismantling any bowling attack on their day. Their partnership has been instrumental in India’s success in limited-overs cricket, guiding the team to numerous victories across the globe. As they gear up to face New Zealand, all eyes will be on these two stalwarts to continue their stellar run and set the tone for the series.

The Rise of Shubman Gill

While much of the spotlight has been on Kohli and Sharma, the emergence of young talent like Shubman Gill has also caught the attention of the cricketing fraternity. Gill, who rose through the ranks with impressive performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been earmarked as a future star for Team India. His technically sound batting and composure under pressure have drawn comparisons to some of the greats of the game.

With Pathan backing Gill to make an impact in the upcoming ODI series, the spotlight will be on the young captain to showcase his potential and cement his place in the side. Gill’s ability to adapt to different situations and play match-winning innings will be crucial for India’s success against New Zealand.

The Selection Conundrum Surrounding Shami

Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from the squad has raised eyebrows and sparked debates among fans and experts alike. The seasoned pacer, known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and pick up crucial wickets, has been a mainstay in India’s fast bowling arsenal. His absence from the squad has led to questions about the selectors’ rationale and the direction of the team’s pace attack.

While the emergence of young fast bowlers has added depth to India’s bowling unit, Shami’s experience and skillset cannot be overlooked. His knack for picking up wickets in crucial stages of the game and his ability to deliver under pressure make him a valuable asset in the team’s quest for success. The selectors’ decision to persist with younger bowlers over a seasoned campaigner like Shami has left many scratching their heads.

Looking Ahead

As India prepares to take on New Zealand in the ODI series, the stage is set for a thrilling contest between two cricketing powerhouses. With the likes of Kohli, Sharma, Gill, and others in the mix, fans can expect high-scoring matches, nail-biting finishes, and moments of individual brilliance. While Pathan’s predictions have set the tone for the series, the absence of Shami looms large as a point of contention and discussion.

As the action unfolds on the field, all eyes will be on the players to deliver performances that live up to the expectations and showcase the rich talent pool that Indian cricket boasts. Whether Kohli and Sharma light up the series with centuries as predicted by Pathan or new heroes emerge to steal the limelight, one thing is for certain – cricket fans are in for a treat as India and New Zealand lock horns in what promises to be an enthralling ODI series.