The presence of modern-day legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has breathed fresh excitement into One Day International cricket, transforming each of their appearances into a must-watch spectacle. Their recent performances in bilateral series against teams like Australia and South Africa have generated an electric buzz, reminiscent of the fervor seen during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
The Rarity Factor: Creating Marquee Events
With both stalwarts having stepped away from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, their on-field appearances are now concentrated solely in the 50-over format. This scarcity has worked wonders for ODI cricket, pulling back crowds and recapturing public attention at a time when interest was perceived to be waning. Their selective presence has not only heightened anticipation for every match they play but has also solidified their status as the biggest global attractions in the game today.
By continuing their commitment to ODIs, Kohli and Rohit have single-handedly restored relevance and significant value to the format, ensuring each contest carries added weight and importance for fans and broadcasters alike.
Irfan Pathan's Plea: Capitalize with Longer Series
Amid this renewed enthusiasm, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has called for smarter scheduling to fully leverage the impact of the two icons. Speaking on Star Sports, Pathan advocated for extended bilateral series and the return of multi-nation tournaments to sustain fan engagement.
"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?" Pathan questioned. He emphasized, "It won't be wrong to say that if a lot of interest has returned to ODI cricket, these two have brought it."
Pathan's argument centers on maximizing viewership and interest while the two legends are still active, suggesting that the current three-match series model is insufficient.
Star Power Backed by Supreme Performance
The influence of Kohli and Rohit is powerfully reflected in the official ICC ODI Batting Rankings, where Rohit Sharma currently holds the number one spot, with Virat Kohli positioned closely behind at number two. This statistical dominance underlines their remarkable consistency and mastery in the 50-over game.
Pathan further stressed that their appeal is not merely about celebrity status but is firmly rooted in world-class performance. With the next ODI World Cup still distant, he argued that regular match exposure is crucial for the duo to maintain their rhythm and for the format to keep its momentum.
"The biggest thing is that they are also performing. The World Cup is far away... the more we get to see them, the better it is," he observed, adding that they should keep playing domestic cricket when not on national duty to stay in prime touch.
The duo's combined effort has successfully reignited passion for ODI cricket, proving that the format still holds immense appeal when its biggest stars are on show, setting the stage for what fans hope will be a sustained revival.
