Former Team India all-rounder Irfan Pathan said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have again increased the interest of fans in ODI cricket. The cricketer-turned-commentator said the BCCI should schedule five-match series or triangular and quadrangular tournaments to keep the format relevant and competitive.
Virat and Rohit are currently playing only ODIs for India, their next outing will be a three-match series against New Zealand, starting on January 11 in Vadodara. Both batsmen returned to domestic cricket during the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Kohli impressed by scoring 208 runs at an average of 104 in two innings, while Rohit showed his explosive side by scoring 155 runs in 94 balls, followed by a golden duck in his second appearance.
Why can’t we play five ODIs instead of three? -Irfan Pathan
In Star Sports show Follow the Blues, Irfan Pathan said that there is excitement about the ODI series against New Zealand. Pathan argued that the limited presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has made ODIs special again and questioned why the BCCI does not make better use of their presence.
“That’s why I am saying one thing again and again. Why can’t we play five ODIs instead of three? Why can’t we have tri-series or quadrangular series? Why can’t we arrange it because these two great players play only one format? It wouldn’t be wrong to say that if a lot of interest has returned in ODI cricket, these two have brought it.” Pathan said on Star Sports,
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should keep playing domestic cricket – Irfan Pathan
The former all-rounder said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should continue playing domestic cricket whenever they are not on international duty. Pathan felt that regular match time would help him stay sharp and benefit Indian cricket.
“The biggest thing is that they are performing as well. The World Cup is still a long way away. You definitely want to think about it, but I also think that the more we see them, both these players should keep playing, keep representing India and when they are not playing for India, they should keep playing domestic cricket because the more they play, the better they will get.”
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will shine in ODI in 2025!
In 2025, Virat Kohli scored 651 runs in 13 matches at an average of 65.10 and strike rate of 96.15. He scored 302 runs in three matches at an average of 151 during the series against South Africa. Kohli scored 158 runs in four matches against Australia and added 100 runs in a match against Pakistan.
Rohit Sharma scored 650 runs in 14 ODI matches at an average of exactly 50 and strike rate of 100.46. The opening batsman scored 230 runs in four matches against Australia at an average of 76.66. He also scored 146 runs against South Africa and 122 runs against England.
Rohit led India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy in UAE, with Kohli playing a key role in the title win. This was Rohit’s second consecutive ICC trophy as captain. However, Rohit was later removed as ODI captain as India started planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Also read: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in 2026: India’s complete cricket schedule revealed
