Former Team India all-rounder Irfan Pathan stated that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have revived fans’ interest in ODI cricket. The cricketer turned commentator said the BCCI should plan five-match series or triangular and quadrilateral tournaments to keep the format relevant and competitive.
Virat and Rohit are currently playing only for India in ODIs, and their next outing will be a three-match series against New Zealand starting in Vadodara on January 11. Both the batters returned to domestic cricket during the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Kohli impressed with 208 runs from two innings at an average of 104, while Rohit showed his explosive side with 155 from 94 balls, followed by a golden duck in his other outing.
Why can’t we have five ODIs instead of three? -Irfan Pathan
On Star Sports show Follow the Blues, Irfan Pathan said there is excitement surrounding the ODI series against New Zealand. Pathan argued that the limited appearances of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have made ODIs special again and wondered why the BCCI is not making better use of their presence.
“That’s why I say one thing repeatedly. Why can’t we have five ODIs instead of three? Why can’t we have a triangular or quadrilateral series? Why can’t we sort that out because these two greats play only one format? It won’t be wrong to say that if a lot of interest has returned to ODI cricket, these two have brought it.” Pathan said on Star Sports.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should continue playing domestic cricket – Irfan Pathan
The former all-rounder stated that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should remain active by continuing to play domestic cricket when they are not on international duty. Pathan felt that regular match time would help them stay sharp and would benefit Indian cricket.
“The most important thing is that they also perform. The World Cup is still a long way away. You will definitely want to think about it, but I also think that the more we get to see them, these two players have to keep playing, keep representing India, and if they are not playing for India, they have to keep playing domestic cricket because the more they play, the better it is,” Pathan noted.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to star in ODIs in 2025
In 2025, Virat Kohli scored 651 runs in 13 matches at an average of 65.10 and a strike rate of 96.15. He made 302 runs in three matches at an average of 151 during the series against South Africa. Kohli also scored 158 runs in four matches against Australia and added 100 points in one match against Pakistan.
Rohit Sharma scored 650 runs in 14 ODIs at an average of exactly 50 and a strike rate of 100.46. The opener scored 230 runs in four matches against Australia at an average of 76.66. He also made 146 runs against South Africa and 122 runs against England.
Rohit led India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy in the UAE, with Kohli playing a key role in winning the title. It 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 entire cricket schedule revealed
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