Sanjay Bangar has strongly backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma at a time when questions are being raised about their ODI future and domestic cricket participation. He feels the two modern greats deserve trust, flexibility, and “space”, not conditions and doubt.

Bangar’s take on BCCI’s Vijay Hazare ‘diktat’

Reports recently claimed that Rohit and Kohli might have to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy to stay in contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup, leading to talk of a “diktat” from the board. Bangar pushed back against that line of thinking, saying their place in the ODI side should not even be up for debate given what they have done for Indian cricket over so many years. In his view, players of their calibre deserve special consideration instead of being treated like youngsters still trying to prove themselves.

He pointed out that both have already retired from Tests and T20Is, so getting back into rhythm in ODIs will not take much time for such experienced batters. Bangar argued they do not need as many matches as younger players to find form. Once Rohit and Kohli are hungry, fit, and available, he believes any team would want them and should “treat them differently and give them space”.

ODI numbers that answer the questions themselves

Bangar’s comments also sit firmly on top of hard numbers. In the just‑concluded home ODI series against South Africa, 38‑year‑old Rohit Sharma scored 57 and 75 in the first and third games. At the same time, 37‑year‑old Virat Kohli produced a stunning Player‑of‑the‑Series performance with 135, 102, and 65* in his three innings. Those returns underline that, even in their late 30s, they remain India’s most reliable ODI batters.

For Bangar, this is exactly why their spots should not be questioned. He stressed that when they are “on song”, the difference is obvious on the field and in the dressing room. Their mere presence lifts the mood, raises standards, and changes the atmosphere around the group.

“Give them space” – seniority and dressing‑room impact

Bangar also touched on their influence beyond runs. Having worked closely with Kohli as RCB’s batting consultant and India’s batting coach, he believes both seniors would have played a big role in steadying the camp after India’s humiliating Test whitewash in South Africa. In his view, Rohit and Kohli would have spoken to the younger players, helped them park the disappointment, and encouraged them to play with freedom and authority in the ODIs.

That calming presence and ability to guide younger teammates is another reason he feels the board and management must handle them differently. Instead of tying their ODI future to domestic appearances alone, Bangar wants the BCCI, selectors, and team management to recognise that legends with this kind of record, form, and dressing‑room impact have earned a bit more trust and freedom in how their workload is managed.