“They can leave IPL but not Indian team”: Kohli, Rohit receive ultimate praise from ex-player

Former cricketer Munaf Patel has highlighted Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s India-first approach. The two have retired from T20Is and Test cricket but are committed to represent Indian in the 2027 ODI World Cup. The duo also played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy last year on the instructions of the BCCI and gave themselves a chance of staying relevant before the global tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Munaf, who was a part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad, mentioned that playing for India is their priority and that they can skip the IPL to focus on international matches.

“For Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the country comes first. They might leave the IPL but not the Indian team. This is something you will always see when it comes to these two players,” Munaf told The Times of India.

Kohli and Rohit are currently representing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League 2026.

Kohli has scored over 200 runs in the 19th season and is the current holder of the Orange Cap. In the most recent game against the Lucknow Super Giants, he amassed 49 runs off 34 balls as the defending champions registered a five-wicket win to reach the top of the standings.

Rohit injured his hamstring during MI’s match against RCB and is likely to sit out the matches against Punjab Kings (April 16) and Gujarat Titans (April 20).

He was on 19 off 13 balls when he decided to leave the field. Mumbai lost the contest by 18 runs. Rohit’s absence is a big blow as England all-rounder Will Jacks hasn’t joined the team.