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Irfan Pathan Urges More 5-Match ODI Series to Showcase Rohit-Virat Brilliance

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has questioned the absence of five-match ODI series and triangular tournaments, emphasizing that ODI-exclusive stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli deserve more playing opportunities. Both players ended 2025 as India's top ODI run-scorers after leading the team to ICC Champions Trophy glory. Pathan argues that their performances have revived interest in ODI cricket, warranting a more robust schedule. India's last five-match ODI series was in 2019, with tri-series becoming increasingly rare in modern cricket calendars.

Key Points: Irfan Pathan Calls for More ODI Matches Featuring Rohit & Kohli

  • Pathan's plea for longer ODI series
  • Rohit & Kohli's 2025 ODI dominance
  • Their transition to single-format players
  • Decline of multi-team ODI tournaments
3 min read

Irfan Pathan calls for more five-match ODI series, tri-nation tournaments as Rohit-Virat display impressive form

Former cricketer Irfan Pathan advocates for five-match ODI series and tri-nation tournaments to maximize exposure for ODI-exclusive stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

"Why cannot we have five ODIs instead of three? Why can't we have a triangular or quadrangular series? – Irfan Pathan"

New Delhi, January 1

As India approaches a new year of cricketing action, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan questioned that with ODI-exclusive stalwarts in such impressive form, why there are no more five-match ODI series or any triangular/quadrangular series taking place.

Rohit and Virat head into the New Year as just one format players, after an incredible 2025 in the format, which saw them win the ICC Champions Trophy with big performances in crucial matches and dominate ODIs following that after overcoming some initial rustiness during the tour to Australia later in the year. Both also called time on their Test careers, leaving their fans heartbroken.

They will start their journey to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup with three ODIs against New Zealand from January 11 onwards.

Speaking on 'Follow the Blues' on JioHotstar, Pathan said, "Why cannot we have five ODIs instead of three? Why can't we have a triangular or quadrangular series? Why cannot we arrange that, because these two greats play only one format? It would not be wrong to say that if a lot of interest has returned to ODI cricket, these two have brought it," he responded.

"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.

The ''Ro-Ko' ended as the top run-getters for India in ODIs this year, with Virat making 651 runs in 13 matches and innings at an average of 65.10, with three centuries and four fifties, with a best score of 135 and a SR of over 96. On the other hand, Rohit scored 650 runs in 14 innings at an average of 50.00 and a strike rate of over 100, with two centuries and four fifties and a best score of 121*.

They also featured in two Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) matches for Delhi and Mumbai, with Virat getting scores of 131 and 77 and Rohit getting scores of 155* and zero. Despite being ODI-exclusive players, the duo broke a lot of batting records and showcased glimpses of their prime years to the fans.

The last time India played a five-match ODI series was back in 2019 against Australia, leading upto the World Cup that year. Since then, ODI series have been a three-match affair at best, even during a World Cup year. Their last triangular series was way back in 2015 against England and Australia on Aussie shores, leading upto the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I understand the sentiment, but the cricket calendar is already so packed. More ODIs might lead to player burnout. Maybe we can have one marquee 5-match series per year, like an India-Australia or India-England clash, to keep the format special.
R
Rohit P
Bring back the tri-series! Those were the days. India, Australia, and South Africa or Pakistan in a triangular tournament was pure entertainment. It tests a team's consistency and strategy more than a bilateral series. BCCI should seriously consider this.
A
Ananya R
The stats don't lie - 650+ runs each! They are in sublime form. We should make the most of it. A longer series allows them to settle and play those big, match-winning knocks we all love. More cricket for Virat and Rohit is always a yes from me! ❤️
D
David E
As a cricket fan living abroad, I completely agree. ODI cricket needs this kind of boost. The Champions Trophy win was fantastic, but the format feels sidelined by T20 leagues. A high-profile tri-nation series would capture global attention.
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Siddharth J
While I love watching them, we also need to think about building the next generation. Maybe these longer series can include a mix of experienced players and youngsters. Let the likes of Gill and Iyer learn from Virat and Rohit in a competitive setting.

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