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Kohli and Rohit have been the driving forces behind India’s success in four of their last six ODI matches, combining for three centuries (two by Kohli) and five half-centuries (three by Rohit). Rohit claimed the Player of the Series award during the Australia tour, while Kohli earned the same honour in the recently concluded home ODI series against South Africa."I don't think the place of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team should have been a question. Look at what they have done over so many years," Bangar said while speaking to JioStar.
"They have retired from two formats, so it's obvious they might take just a couple of sessions to get back into action, because they have done it so often. They don't need to play as many matches as a younger player. Once they are there, once they are hungry and fit, you want players of that quality. You have to treat them differently and give them space," the former India batter said, clear about why there needs to be a different yardstick for the two white-ball legends.
In the South Africa contest that ended on Saturday in Vizag with India winning 2-1, Rohit scored 57 and 75 in the first and third games, while Kohli notched up 135, 102 and 65 not out. "When they are on song, you see the difference. Their sheer presence changes the dressing room atmosphere."Amid BCCI's push, both have reportedly agreed to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. While Rohit is also speculated to play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where Mumbai have qualified for the knockout stage, Kohli will be going back to London, before turning for a few domestic games for Delhi in Bengaluru.
### Recent ODI Masterclass Sparks Call for Special Treatment for Kohli and Sharma
In the wake of India's thrilling 2-1 ODI series victory over South Africa—concluded on December 6, 2025, in Visakhapatnam—former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has delivered a pointed message to the BCCI: treat veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma differently and afford them the space they deserve. This comes amid ongoing debates about their long-term roles in the white-ball setup, particularly with the ICC Champions Trophy looming in early 2025.
#### Standout Performances in the Series
Kohli and Sharma, who retired from T20Is after the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, silenced critics with a dominant showing across India's last six ODIs (including the South Africa rubber). They emerged as the top two run-scorers for the hosts:
- **Rohit Sharma**: Blasted 57 off 56 balls in the opener and a match-winning 75 off 87 in the decider, earning him the Player of the Series award from the prior Australia tour as well. His aggressive starts set the tone for chases.
- **Virat Kohli**: Delivered a masterclass with 135 (in the second ODI), an unbeaten 102 (third ODI), and 65* (opener), clinching him the Player of the Series honors for this series. His two centuries contributed to three tons and five half-centuries combined from the duo, powering India to wins in four of those matches.
Their contributions not only secured the series but highlighted their enduring class in the 50-over format, where they've amassed over 25,000 international runs together.
#### Bangar's Strong Advocacy
Bangar, speaking on a cricket podcast, emphasized that questioning their spots is misguided given their legacy. "I don't think the place of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team should have been a question. Look at what they have done over so many years," he asserted. He argued for flexibility in selection norms: "They have retired from two formats, so it's obvious they might take just a couple of sessions to get back into action... They don't need to play as many matches as a younger player. Once they are there, once they are hungry and fit, you want players of that quality. You have to treat them differently and give them space."
Bangar also underscored their intangible impact: "When they are on song, you see the difference. Their sheer presence changes the dressing room atmosphere." This echoes sentiments from ex-head coach Ravi Shastri, who recently urged the board to "stop needling" the duo over speculation.
#### The Selection Debate and BCCI's Stance
The call arises from the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee's cautious approach to the 2025 Champions Trophy squad. With Kohli (37) and Sharma (38) focusing solely on ODIs post-T20 retirement, selectors under head coach Gautam Gambhir have stressed the need for sustained form and fitness over the next 12-18 months. A key criterion: mandatory participation in domestic List A cricket, like the Vijay Hazare Trophy (starting late December 2025), to benchmark their readiness—unlike younger players who must grind through red-ball domestics.
Reports indicate both stars have agreed to feature: Rohit may join Mumbai for Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 knockouts and Vijay Hazare, while Kohli plans a few Delhi games in Bengaluru post a London trip. However, Bangar and others argue such demands overlook their proven adaptability and mental edge, potentially risking burnout or demotivation.
This isn't isolated—similar discussions bubbled during the Australia ODIs, where their returns after a brief ODI hiatus proved decisive. As India eyes a strong Champions Trophy campaign in Pakistan/hybrid venues, the board faces pressure to balance youth infusion with veteran stability. For now, their recent masterclass has bought goodwill, but the Vijay Hazare litmus test looms large.
