"There aren’t many ODI games these days."- Parthiv Patel urges Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy

Parthiv Patel feels playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will help Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to stay fit.

Former Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel said that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Patel feels that playing in the domestic one-day tournament will help the duo to maintain their fitness and become match-ready.

Rohit and Kohli are all set to return in the national jerseys during the upcoming India’s tour of Australia 2025. India and Australia will play three ODIs from October 19 to 25. They last played for the team in March during the final of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which India won by crushing New Zealand.

In May, both batting legends announced their retirement from test cricket. This came after they pulled the curtains down in T20I cricket after winning ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Both are only active in ODI cricket and their next focus would be to play in ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.

Parthvi Patel urges Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play in Vijay Hazare Trophy

During a chat with PTI, Patel said that Rohit and Kohli should play in Vijay Hazare Trophy as it will help them to stay match-fit. Rohit represents Mumbai in domestic cricket, while Kohli plays for Delhi.

“Two years is a long time, and there aren’t many ODI games these days. Earlier, when players used to get 20-25 games a year, it was easier to stay on a roll. Now, it’s a different challenge altogether – staying match-fit without as many opportunities,” he said.

Patel also added that Shubman Gill will have no issues in managing senior members Rohit and Kohli in the team. He also noted that Gill has great qualities to lead the side.

“I don’t think it will be a problem because of the kind of characters Virat and Rohit are. Virat became captain when MS Dhoni was still playing, so he understands the role of seniors in grooming new leaders. Similarly, Rohit has also been through this phase. Both are mature players who understand decisions taken for the betterment of Indian cricket. Shubman won’t need to spend energy managing them,” he added.

“Shubman prepares well, is decisive, and has a ‘Yes or No’ approach with no ‘Maybe’. He’s flexible and open to suggestions – exactly the qualities you want in a captain,” Patel further added.

Shubman Gill will takeover as India’s ODI captain from the forthcoming tour of Australia. Indian players are scheduled to fly to Australia on October 15 for the series. India’s tour of Australia will also witness a five-match T20I series from October 29 to November 8.

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