'It is not about setting an example': Kohli and Rohit asked to play Vijay Hazare Trophy amid talks about their place in ODI team

Amid growing debate over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI future , former India cricketer Parthiv Patel has shared a piece of advice for the duo. This comes amid reports that the BCCI’s selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has suggested Kohli and Rohit participate in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy if they want to remain in contention for India’s 50-over plans ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Both Kohli and Rohit have already retired from Tests and T20Is, leaving ODIs as their only international format. However, with India set to play limited ODI games over the next two years, selectors want the two veterans to stay match-ready through domestic cricket, specifically the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the BCCI premier 50-over tournament.

Parthiv Patel’s advice for Kohli and Rohit 

Parthiv Patel has backed the move, saying it’s essential for the pair to maintain their form and fitness. “Two years is a long time and especially if you see there aren’t too many ODI games. Like earlier times when there used to be 20-25 games a year, you get on a roll and before you know two years passed by. But it is a different challenge and we are also new to this kind of a challenge. The challenge is to keep themselves match-fit,” he told PTI.

He also said that featuring in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will help their rhythm and not just serve as a symbolic gesture. “I would definitely feel that they should play Vijay Hazare Trophy. It is not about setting an example like ‘We have made Kohli and Rohit play Vijay Hazare’. That’s not how I would like to think. Playing Hazare Trophy will help their own game and that in turn will help the Indian cricket team,” he added.

The selectors are expected to announce the Vijay Hazare Trophy schedule soon, with several senior players likely to take part. Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami, who has been sidelined from the national team for the past few months, is also expected to feature in the tournament, keeping an eye on the 2027 World Cup.