Ex-BCCI secretary wants Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play more domestic cricket

Overview

• Sanjay Jagdale felt Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Tests and T20Is do not help their match fitness
• The ex-BCCI Secretary felt rustiness is a factor to consider, taking the examples of MS Dhoni and Matthew Hayden
• The former Indian National Selector hence wanted Rohit and Virat to play more domestic cricket to be match fit.

Sanjay Jagdale felt Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Tests and T20Is do not help their match fitness. The ex-BCCI Secretary felt rustiness is a factor to consider, taking the examples of MS Dhoni and Matthew Hayden. The former Indian National Selector hence wanted Rohit and Virat to play more domestic cricket to be match fit.

"The decision they've taken to play just one format is tough on them. They've both been outstanding in white-ball cricket, but if you're not playing regularly, rustiness will creep in — we've seen that happen with players like Dhoni in the IPL, and even legends such as Brian Lara and Matthew Hayden after their retirements," Jagdale said.

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He noted India's lack of ODIs in the current cycle and felt the need for Virat and Rohit to play more domestic cricket to be match fit. He did not regard it to be an end of road for the veterans but felt their participation in the ODI World Cup 2027 will depend majorly on their fitness, committment, and performances.

"Competing in the domestic circuit will definitely work in their favour," - Sanjay Jagdale

"As it is, 50-over cricket will be played less. I'd love to see them play domestic tournaments. I don't know what's in their minds, but competing in the domestic circuit will definitely work in their favour," Jagdale added in his statement.

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"I don't think they're finished. Their participation in the next World Cup will depend largely on their fitness. It's too early to predict, but if they keep performing and remain committed, there's no reason why they can't be there," the former Indian National Selector concluded.