Former Team India all-rounder Irfan Pathan stated that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have reinvigorated fan interest in ODI cricket. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that the BCCI should schedule five-match series or triangular and quadrangular tournaments to keep the format relevant and competitive.
Virat and Rohit are currently featuring for India only in ODIs, with their next outing set to be a three-match series against New Zealand, starting in Vadodara on January 11. Both 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 a 155 off 94 balls, followed by a golden duck in his other appearance.
Why Can’t We Have Five ODIs Instead of Three? – Irfan Pathan
On the Star Sports show Follow the Blues, Irfan Pathan said that there is excitement around the ODI series against New Zealand. Pathan argued that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s limited appearances have made ODIs special again and questioned why the BCCI does not make better use of their presence.
“That’s why I am repeatedly saying one thing. Why can’t we have five ODIs instead of three? Why can’t we have a triangular or quadrangular series? Why can’t we arrange that, 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 Keep Playing Domestic Cricket – Irfan Pathan
The former all-rounder stated that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should stay active by continuing to play domestic cricket whenever they are not on international duty. Pathan felt that regular match time would help them stay sharp and benefit Indian cricket.
“The biggest thing is that they are also performing. The World Cup is far away. You will definitely want to think about it, but I am also thinking that the more we get to see them, that these two 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 it is,” Pathan observed.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Shine 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 games against Australia and added 100 runs in a single 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 an important role in the title win. It was Rohit’s second straight ICC trophy as captain. However, Rohit was later removed as ODI captain as India began planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Also read: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in 2026: India’s Full Cricket Schedule Revealed
