Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has breathed fresh life into one-day international cricket. With the two senior batters now featuring only in ODIs for India, Pathan questioned why the format is not being utilised more effectively.
Speaking ahead of India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand national cricket team, he suggested that fans deserve to see the duo in action more frequently. Kohli and Rohit are set to return to international cricket when India face New Zealand in Vadodara on January 11, marking their next assignment in national colours.
Call For Longer and Multi-Team ODI Series
During an appearance on the Star Sports show Follow the Blues, Pathan was asked about the importance of the New Zealand series for Kohli, Rohit, and Indian fans, given how rarely the two are seen playing these days.
Responding to the question, he said, “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.”
His comments underlined the growing belief that longer or multi-team series could increase excitement and provide greater value to spectators.
Pathan also expressed satisfaction with the duo’s recent form and encouraged them to remain active even outside international cricket.
He added, “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.”
Both players recently featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with Kohli scoring heavily while Rohit produced a memorable century.
Varun Aaron Labels The Duo “Box Office”
Former India pacer Varun Aaron echoed Pathan’s views during the same discussion, stressing the commercial and sporting value of Kohli and Rohit.
He said, “Given that the previous series was box office, where both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were seen in form, since Australia, especially Rohit Sharma, India will be looking to have way more series than we are having because of the crowds they are pulling and the viewership they are bringing in. These two guys are box office. So at the end of the day, you want Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play as much as possible… It just shows that age is a number and it’s mind over matter for them.”
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