The debate over the future of India’s legendary batting duo, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, in the ODI team has been reignited, and this time, it comes with a powerful endorsement from a trusted insider. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has stepped into the fray with a clear and emphatic message: Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma ODI places should never be in question, and they deserve to be “treated differently” after the South Africa series.
But what does “treated differently” really mean? Is it about granting special privileges or recognizing an unparalleled legacy? Let’s dive deep into Bangar’s argument, the stats behind it, and what it means for the future of Indian cricket.
Table of Contents
- Bangar’s Bold Defense: The Core Argument
- Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma: ODI Legacies That Demand Respect
- The Crucial Retirement Context
- Why “Treat Them Differently”? The Strategic Reasoning
- Conclusion: The Way Forward for Team India
- Sources
Bangar’s Bold Defense: The Core Argument
Sanjay Bangar, a respected voice in Indian cricket known for his analytical mind and deep understanding of the game, firmly dismissed any doubts surrounding the ODI futures of Kohli and Sharma. He argued that for players of their caliber and proven track record, their place in the team should be a given .
Following a tough ODI loss to South Africa, Bangar emphasized that the immediate focus shouldn’t be on axing legends but on supporting their return to peak match fitness. He stated that “you want players of that quality” and their mere presence in the dressing room is a massive confidence booster for the entire squad, especially younger players reeling from a tough defeat .
Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma: ODI Legacies That Demand Respect
The debate isn’t just about sentiment; it’s anchored in hard numbers. Their ODI records are a testament to their greatness:
- Virat Kohli has amassed a staggering 13,906 runs in 295 matches, with an average that speaks volumes of his consistency .
- Rohit Sharma is the only player in history to have scored three ODI double-centuries, holding the record for the highest individual score in the format (264) .
While their 2024 ODI stats were relatively quiet – Kohli scored 58 runs in 3 innings and Rohit managed 157 runs [[9], [16]] – it’s crucial to look at the bigger picture. Their form in the 2023-2024 period was solid, with Rohit scoring 1,412 runs at an average of 52.3 .
The Crucial Retirement Context
Bangar’s argument gains even more weight when you consider the recent format retirements of both players. They have made significant sacrifices to focus their energy on the ODI format, which is a clear signal of their commitment.
- Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20 Internationals after India’s victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign . He later announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025 .
- Rohit Sharma, the captain, also retired from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup triumph and followed up with a Test retirement announcement on May 7, 2025 .
This strategic shift means both players are now solely focused on their ODI careers. It’s not just about their age; it’s about their dedicated investment in this specific format. Asking them to go through the same selection grind as a newcomer ignores this crucial context.
Why “Treat Them Differently”? The Strategic Reasoning
So, what does “treating them differently” actually entail? Bangar’s vision isn’t about giving them a free pass. Instead, it’s a strategic approach with several layers:
- Time to Regain Match Fitness: After stepping away from other formats, they need a series or two to shake off the rust and get back into the high-intensity rhythm of ODI cricket. Their class will almost certainly see them return to form.
- Leadership and Mentorship: Their experience in high-pressure situations is invaluable. They act as informal coaches on the field, guiding the next generation of stars like India’s young batting sensations.
- Morale and Stability: In a team often in transition, their presence provides a bedrock of stability. Their ability to absorb pressure and handle big-match nerves is a psychological asset that can’t be quantified in runs alone .
As Bangar put it, their selection is about more than just their individual output; it’s about the overall health, confidence, and long-term strategy of the entire team .
Conclusion: The Way Forward for Team India
Sanjay Bangar’s defense of the Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma ODI partnership is a timely reminder of the intangible value that legendary players bring to a team. While the future belongs to the new generation, the transition must be managed with care and respect for the giants on whose shoulders the current team stands.
Granting them the space and time to adapt to their ODI-only roles isn’t preferential treatment; it’s a smart, strategic investment in the team’s immediate and future success. For fans and selectors alike, the focus should be on how to best utilize their final ODI chapter, not on whether they deserve to be there. Their records, their recent sacrifices, and their on-field leadership have already answered that question.
Sources
- Sanjay Bangar’s quotes and analysis are based on reports from multiple sources including Times of India and other major cricket publications [[1], [5], [6], [8]].
- Player statistics and career records were sourced from official cricket databases and analytics platforms [[9], [10], [13], [16]].
- Retirement announcements were confirmed through official player statements and major news outlets like BBC Sport [[18], [20], [24], [29]].
- For more on India’s ODI squad dynamics, see coverage from ESPNCricinfo.