Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma don't need to play as many matches as a younger player: Sanjay Bangar

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Bangar has suggested that the Indian team management treat the veteran batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma differently and give them enough space.

Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar, Bangar asserted that Kohli and Rohit don’t need to play many matches to get into the groove despite being retired from two international formats. Notably, Bangar’s comments came right after reports suggested BCCI wanted the duo to take part in domestic cricket to prove their fitness and form.

“Once they are there, once they are hungry and fit, you want players of that quality. You have to treat them differently and give them space. I don't think the place of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team should have been a question. Look at what they have done over so many years. They have retired from two formats, so it's obvious they might take just a couple of sessions to get back into action, because they have done it so often. They don't need to play as many matches as a younger player,” Sanjay Bangar told JioHotstar.

“When they are on song, you see the difference. Their sheer presence changes the dressing room atmosphere. After the humiliating loss in the Test series, they must have spoken to the boys. They helped put things behind and play with freedom and authority, giving the whole team supreme confidence," Bangar concluded.

While Rohit Sharma was adjudged the player of the series on the Australia tour, Down Under in the three-match ODI series, Virat Kohli was awarded the player of the series in the just-concluded three-match ODI series against South Africa.

The veteran batters are expected to take part in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, scheduled to take place later this month.

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