Former all-rounder urges longer series, tri-series, and quadrangular tournaments to capitalise on the star duo’s impact on 50-over cricket.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s selective focus on ODIs has reignited interest in the 50-over format, drawing fans back to stadiums and screens alike. Their performances in recent series against Australia and South Africa have generated buzz reminiscent of the 2023 ODI World Cup, turning each ODI into a marquee event. With both players stepping away from T20Is and Tests, their limited appearances have made each match feel exclusive and highly anticipated.
Irfan Pathan calls for expanded ODI schedules
Building on this renewed enthusiasm, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan urged cricket boards to better utilise the presence of the superstar duo. He proposed expanding ODI series to five matches and exploring tri-series or quadrangular tournaments to maintain fan engagement.
“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 a lot of interest has returned to ODI cricket; these two have brought it,” Pathan said on Star Sports.
Performance and impact on rankings
Kohli and Rohit currently dominate the ICC ODI batting charts, with Rohit leading and Kohli in second, underscoring their consistency and impact. Pathan stressed that the duo not only draws crowds but also delivers on the field, highlighting the importance of regular match exposure, including in domestic cricket, to maintain both their form and fan interest.
“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, 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,” he added.
Pathan’s comments underline a broader call to prioritise ODIs and leverage the star power of Kohli and Rohit to ensure the format remains vibrant and engaging for fans worldwide.