‘When MS Dhoni retired…’ – Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli urged to play domestic cricket by ex-teammate

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should play domestic cricket: almost every former cricketer or expert agrees. Varun Aaron, a former India teammate of the modern greats, thinks the same.

Following their struggles in the India vs Australia 1st ODI, the former fast bowler turned coach, emphasized the importance of Rohit and Kohli following MS Dhoni’s path by playing domestic cricket to regain form.

After Dhoni announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2014, the wicketkeeper decided to play for Jharkhand. He was still active in the other two formats and featured in seven matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2015-16 season.

Why Rohit-Kohli need to play VHT

Unlike Dhoni, Rohit and Kohli don’t play both formats of white-ball cricket. ODIs are all that’s left for them since they announced their Test retirement in May. But Aaron wants them to play in VHT. Not to prove that they are still good enough, but to stay in touch with competitive cricket.

Mind you, neither has played a match since the Indian Premier League (IPL) ended. And their last international game came in March. That’s too long a gap, and while they may have regular fitness, remaining match-fit isn’t easy in your late 30s. The VHT may clash with future ODI series, but it’s best for them and the selectors.

“Play domestic cricket. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy starts in November, and then the Vijay Hazare Trophy starts in December. That’s the best way to be in touch with the game. I remember when MS Dhoni retired from Test cricket; he played a few Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy. That’s a great way to stay in touch. I am sure both the batters are going to look at that. Now, you are not playing two formats. They are going to need match practice,”said Aaron on Star Sports.

The post ‘When MS Dhoni retired…’ – Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli urged to play domestic cricket by ex-teammate appeared first on Inside Sport India.