Parthiv Patel has issued a powerful reminder of Indian cricket’s biggest stars, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, ahead of their much-awaited return to action during the upcoming tour of Australia. Patel has suggested that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should participate in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy to boost their chances of winning the 2027 ICC World Cup.
He believes this is the best way for the former captains to stay in rhythm and maintain their match fitness in view of the challenges ahead. With the 2027 ICC World Cup just two years away, Patel feels they need to play regular competitions to stay in top form.
Parthiv Patel urges Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play Vijay Hazare Trophy to keep 2027 ICC World Cup dreams alive
The former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman also pointed out that cricket has changed a lot over the years. Earlier, players used to get 20 to 25 ODI matches every year, which kept them in touch with the pace of the game.
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But now the number of ODIs has reduced, and long breaks between series could make it harder for Virat and Rohit to stay match-ready as they now only play ODIs.
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Parthiv Patel was quoted by PTI as saying, “Two years is a long time, and there are not many ODI games these days. Earlier, when players got 20-25 games a year, it was easier to keep going. Now it is a completely different challenge – staying match fit without so many opportunities.”
Patel believes that playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier one-day domestic tournament, will not only help Kohli and Rohit sharpen their game but will also benefit Indian cricket as a whole. He explained, “It is not about setting an example or forcing them to play. Rather, participation in the Hazare Trophy will benefit their own game, which ultimately benefits the Indian cricket team.”
Parthiv Patel is confident that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will back Shubman Gill as India captain
Meanwhile, Parthiv Patel also shared his thoughts on the leadership changes in the Indian cricket team.
With Shubman Gill also taking charge of the ODI team after becoming Test captain earlier this year, many have wondered how he would handle senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma around him. But Patel insisted there is no cause for concern.
He explained that Virat Kohli himself became India captain while MS Dhoni was still playing, which helped him understand the importance of senior players in grooming new leaders. Similarly, Rohit has seen several leadership transitions in his career and knows exactly how to handle such situations maturely.
Patel is confident they will stand behind Gill and help him grow as a captain. The cricket pandit further explained, “I don’t think it will be a problem because of the kind of characters Virat and Rohit are. Both are mature players who understand the decisions taken for the betterment of Indian cricket. Shubman doesn’t have to spend energy on managing them.”
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Parthiv Patel praises Shubman Gill’s calm and confident leadership style
Having worked closely with Shubman Gill as the batting coach of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Patel also praised the youngster’s leadership qualities. He described Gill as a calm and confident captain who believes in clear decision-making and does not get stuck in uncertainty.
He concluded by saying: “Shubman prepares well, is decisive and has a ‘yes or no’ approach without ‘maybes’. He is flexible and open to suggestions; exactly the qualities you look for in a captain.”
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