Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has confirmed that Rohit Sharma, though retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, is keen to play ODIs for as long as he can. The former Indian skipper, who has been the key to India's white-ball dominance in the last decade, has no plans of retiring in the 50-over game immediately.
Talking about his phone conversation with the 37-year-old opener, Pathan said, "I had a long call with him just to know about his future plans. He's very keen. He wants to ensure that he keeps playing."
Pathan also pointed out that the new fitness tests implemented by the Indian team management are not that easy to pass, and it will play a crucial role in the future of senior players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Shami.
"This new (fitness) test is clearly not a cakewalk. Once you can get over it, that indicates your fitness is of the highest level," Pathan clarified, adding that motivation would never be a problem with seasoned players like Rohit and Kohli.
Though Rohit might be eager to play ODIs, Pathan was concerned at the absence of regular game-time for seniors who have already retired from other forms.
"As long as the player is healthy, the age doesn't matter. But the question will be for him to get game-time. Playing for India, I don't think there'll be any issue with motivation. But how much cricket they play beyond ODIs will be crucial," Pathan said.
Pathan did not limit his observation to Rohit as well. He mentioned that Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami have the same issue after retiring from Tests and T20Is too. Their longevity in ODIs, in his opinion, will be based on retaining form and fitness while remaining razor-sharp in fewer opportunities.
Interestingly, Pathan also identified mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy as one who has the potential to become India's X-factor in future assignments. Looking back at Varun's disappointing 2021 T20 World Cup performance in the UAE, he foretold a redemption story.
"My eyes will be on Varun Chakravarthy because he has a lot of confidence and he can definitely come with the x-factor," Pathan said.
On the bigger issue of player workload, Pathan advised against the trend of restigging major bowlers during marquee events. Citing instances, he wondered if Pat Cummins would ever miss an Ashes series in the interest of workload management.
This has been manipulated a great deal, but I state that by all means everyone's workload should be controlled because they play so much. But the minute you are in a series and if you attempt to control workload during that, you will not be seeing the returns," he emphasized.
Rohit Sharma's ambition to play more ODI cricket adds one more chapter to his remarkable career in international cricket. Although the Indian management will consider fitness and workload issues, the fact that the nation's most successful white-ball captain still has some work left to do in ODIs will instill hope among the fans.
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