New Delhi: The partnership of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has once then taken fans' enthusiasm for One Day International (ODI) cricket to new heights. Following their retirements from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, the presence of these two legends has made the 50-over format interesting for fans again.
How have Rohit, Kohli impacted ODI cricket?
The recent ODI series versus Australia and South Africa witnessed the same kind of excitement as the 2023 ODI World Cup. Since these two stalwarts now only full-length in international cricket on select occasions, every match they play has wilt a 'marquee event'. The zippy participation of these two Indian star cricketers has stemmed the unthriving popularity of ODI cricket. People are showing renewed interest in ODI matches, and the format's relevance remains intact. Currently, Rohit Sharma tops the ICC ODI batting rankings, while Virat Kohli is in second place, reflecting their dominance in this format of the game.
What did Irfan Pathan say?
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan, witnessing this surge in enthusiasm, has advocated for making the ODI timetable increasingly impactful. Pathan believes that to capitalize on Kohli and Rohit's popularity and form, instead of short three-match series, five-match series, triangular or quadrangular tournaments should be organized.
"This is why I'm saying the same thing then and again. Why can't we have five ODIs instead of three? Why can't we have triangular or quadrangular series? Why can't we organize this, considering these two unconfined players only play one format? It wouldn't be wrong to say that if there's a lot of interest when in ODI cricket, it's considering of these two," Irfan Pathan told Star Sports.
Pathan emphasized not only the tournament format but moreover the importance of maintaining the players' rhythm. He stated that since the next World Cup is still quite far away, these legends need to play consistently, whether at the international or domestic level, to maintain their form.
Pathan suggested that when these two players are not playing for the Indian team, they should remain zippy in domestic cricket.
"The biggest thing is that they are performing as well. The World Cup is still far away. You would definitely want to think well-nigh that, but I'm moreover thinking that the increasingly we see them, the largest it will be. These two players should protract playing, represent India, and when they are not playing for India, they should protract playing domestic cricket considering the increasingly they play, the largest it will be," he said.
