Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to schedule longer ODI series and triangular/quadrangular tournaments to help veteran batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stay match-fit and maintain rhythm ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. With both stalwarts no longer active in Tests and T20Is, interest in ODI cricket has surged due to their unmissable presence, and Pathan believes the BCCI should capitalize on this by providing more playing opportunities.

Pathan: “Why can’t we have five ODIs instead of three?”

Speaking during a discussion on Star Sports, Pathan questioned why India typically schedules only three-match ODI series, arguing that longer formats and multi-nation tournaments would benefit both the players and fans.

“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.

His point is clear: with Kohli and Rohit now exclusively focused on ODIs, the BCCI has a unique opportunity to maximize their presence while ensuring they get sufficient match practice in the lead-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup, which India will host.

Play domestic cricket to stay sharp

Pathan also advised Kohli and Rohit to play domestic cricket whenever they are not representing India, emphasizing that regular match practice is crucial for maintaining fitness levels and form.

“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,” the 41-year-old noted.

Both Kohli and Rohit heeded this advice recently, playing two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for their respective state teams last week. Virat Kohli represented Delhi, scoring 131 and 77 in his two matches, while Rohit Sharma turned out for Mumbai, smashing 155 in the opener before falling for a golden duck in the second game.

Kohli has expressed his desire to play one more match for Delhi, most likely on January 6 against Railways, before joining the Indian squad for the ODI series against New Zealand.

Kohli and Rohit to feature in New Zealand ODI series

Both Kohli and Rohit will be in action during the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting on January 11 in Vadodara. The series will be a key preparation assignment ahead of the 2027 World Cup, with the remaining matches scheduled for Rajkot (January 14) and Indore (January 18).

With the World Cup still over a year away, Pathan’s suggestion of longer ODI series and multi-nation tournaments could provide valuable match practice and help India fine-tune their combinations in the 50-over format.