Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) schedule additional One-Day International (ODI) matches to help veteran batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stay match-fit ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. With both players no longer active in Tests and T20Is, ODIs have gained extra attention due to their unmissable presence.

Speaking on Star Sports, Pathan highlighted the need for longer series, as well as tri-nation and quadrangular tournaments to maximize the impact of India’s two former captains.

"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," Pathan said.

He also recommended that Kohli and Rohit participate in domestic cricket when there are no international fixtures to maintain their fitness and match practice.

"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 added.

Recently, both Kohli and Rohit featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for their respective state teams. Kohli is expected to play another match for Delhi on January 6, while Rohit will take part in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11.