Irfan Pathan Urges BCCI To Schedule More ODIs For Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma

Irfan Pathan has suggested that the BCCI host more ODIs and multi-nation tournaments to keep Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma active in international cricket.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket(BCCI) in India expand its ODI calendar to keep Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma active. Pathan believes longer ODI series and multi-nation tournaments would benefit the duo. Virat and Rohit retired from Tests and T20Is at the end of 2025 and now focus solely on ODIs.

When speaking on Follow the Blues, Irfan Pathan noted that interest in ODI cricket has grown due to the performances of Kohli and Rohit. He added that regular match exposure for the duo remains important, with major matches still some time away.

READ ALSO | R. Ashwin Questions Who Will Carry ODI Cricket After Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

“Why cannot we have five ODIs instead of three? Why can’t we have a triangular or quadrangular series? Why cannot we arrange that, because these two greats play only one format? It would not be wrong to say that if a lot of interest has returned to ODI cricket, these two have brought it,” he said.

“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, the better. These two players should keep playing, keep representing India, and when they are not playing for India, they should continue playing domestic cricket, because the more they play, the better it is,” Pathan added.

Kohli And Rohit Lead India’s ODI Run Charts

Notably, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma topped India’s ODI batting charts in 2025. Kohli scored 651 runs in 13 innings at an average of 65.10. His tally included 3 hundreds, 4 fifties and a highest score of 135. Rohit followed closely with 650 runs from 14 innings at 50.00. He hit 2 centuries, 4 fifties, and a top score of 121 not out.

Both players also appeared in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kohli scored 131 and 77 for Delhi. Rohit hit 155 not out and 0 for Mumbai. Kohli is set to play again on January 6.

Meanwhile, India begins their 2026 season with a three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11. More ODI series are scheduled against Afghanistan, England, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand.