"Why can't we have a triangular or quadrangular series?" - Former India all-rounder on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of IND vs NZ 2026 ODIs

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has noted that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's presence has reinvigorated the interest in ODIs. He questioned why India can't arrange a five-match ODI series or a triangular or quadrangular series for the duo to be seen in action more often.

Kohli and Rohit are representing India internationally only in ODIs. Their next assignment will be a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, with the first game scheduled to be played in Vadodara on January 11.

On the Star Sports show 'Follow the Blues,' Pathan was asked about the importance of the ODI series against New Zealand for Rohit and Kohli, and the Indian fans, considering the two stalwarts are now rarely seen playing cricket.

"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," he responded.

The cricketer-turned-commentator expressed happiness about the duo's impressive recent performances and urged them to keep playing domestic cricket when they are not representing India.

"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," Pathan observed.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have played two games apiece in the ongoing 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. While Kohli amassed 208 runs at an average of 104.00 in two innings, Rohit smashed a 94-ball 155 before being dismissed for a golden duck.

---

"These two guys are box office" - Varun Aaron on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of IND vs NZ 2026 ODIs

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been in excellent form in their last few ODIs. [P/C: Getty]

In the same discussion, former India pacer Varun Aaron concurred with Irfan Pathan, highlighting that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should be seen playing ODIs more often.

"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," he said.

The SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) bowling coach added that the two modern batting greats have proved that age is just a number.

"So at the end of the day, you want Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play as much as possible. A lot of people are sad that they are not playing Tests and T20Is, but the way they are playing in the ODIs, Rohit Sharma has reinvented himself fitness-wise, and Virat Kohli has just taken it up a few notches ever since that last ODI in Australia. It just shows that age is a number and it's mind over matter for them," Aaron elaborated.

Virat Kohli amassed 651 runs at an average of 65.10 in 13 ODI innings in 2025. Rohit Sharma scored 650 runs at an average of 50.00 in 14 ODI innings last year.

Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news

Edited by Kartik Iyer