Former World Cup winner **Munaf Patel has made a strong statement about India’s senior players, saying that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could even step away from the IPL if required for national duty.
“They Might Leave IPL If Needed”
Munaf praised both players for their commitment to India, highlighting their mindset clearly.
“I have always seen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma put the country first. The level of priority they show is on another level. They might leave the IPL if needed, but they will never leave the Indian team.”
His remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the future and workload of senior Indian players, especially with major international tournaments approaching.
Kohli Performs, Rohit Faces Injury Setback
Kohli continues to deliver in IPL 2026. He top-scored for Royal Challengers Bengaluru with 49 off 34 balls in their win over Lucknow Super Giants, helping chase down 147 comfortably in Bengaluru.
Despite dealing with an ankle issue during the match, Kohli looked in control and played a key role in RCB’s success.
In contrast, Rohit Sharma is currently dealing with a hamstring injury. He retired hurt after scoring 19 off 13 balls in a recent match and is expected to miss upcoming games.
India Priority Remains Clear
Munaf’s comments underline a clear message. For players like Kohli and Rohit, international cricket still comes first. Even during IPL 2026, their focus remains on staying fit and ready for India’s upcoming assignments.
