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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are only featuring in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and considering that, former national selector Sanjay Jagdale feels that the duo should play domestic cricket to maintain fitness.
He also feels that the duo`s inclusion in India`s squad for the ODI World Cup 2027 will also be decided depending on their form and fitness.
Jagdale cited the example of MS Dhoni of how the rustiness creeps in when a player is not playing the sport on a regular basis.
“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, like it happened with Dhoni in the IPL and even with Brian Lara, Matthew Hayden,” he said.
“A lot of cricketers, once they retire from international cricket, aren`t quite the same, it is natural,” added the former cricketer.
Returning to international cricket during the first ODI match against Australia, Virat and Rohit endured a poor outing with the willow.
Facing 14 balls, Rohit managed to score just eight runs, including a boundary. On the other hand, Virat returned to the pavilion on an eight-ball duck.
However, the “Men in Blue” suffered a loss by seven wickets in the rain-curtailed first ODI match against the Aussies.
The former selector also said that featuring in domestic cricket will also help the duo to maintain match fitness.
“As it is, 50-over cricket will be played less. I`d love to see them play domestic cricket. I don`t know what`s in their minds, but competing in domestic tournaments will definitely work in their favour,” said the 75-year-old former cricketer.
The duo will look to deliver big knocks in the second ODI match, which is scheduled to be played on October 23 at the Adelaide Oval. Ahead of the second match, the cricket fans will keep a tab on Kohli. At the Adelaide Oval, he is India`s highest run-scorer of all time. Having played 12 matches at the venue, the right-hander has scored 975 runs, with an average of 65.
He also has five centuries and four half-centuries, with a top score of 141 runs.
Currently, the Indian team is trailing by 0-1 in the three-match ODI series against Australia. After the completion of the 50-over format series, both teams will engage in the five-match T20I series. The first T20I match is scheduled to be played on October 29 at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.
(With PTI Inputs)
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