The cricket world was glued to the screens. After a 7-month break from the ODI team, everyone expected fireworks from the two biggest stars, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Instead, the first game against Australia was a massive letdown. Rohit scored a tiny 8 runs, and Virat Kohli was out for zero, turning their big comeback into a shocking failure for India.

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This quick failure immediately brought attention to the fact that they haven't been playing enough cricket. It led to a strong warning from former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron. Aaron spoke openly, urging the superstar batters to get rid of any "ego" they might have and follow the smart approach of the legend MS Dhoni to stay sharp. The message was simple: just playing international cricket isn't enough anymore.

Since both players are now done with the Test and T20I formats, Aaron pointed out how crucial domestic tournaments are for keeping their rhythm and skills sharp. He highlighted how Dhoni, even after stepping away from Test cricket, humbled himself and went back to the domestic games.

Aaron’s advice, given on Star Sports, was straight to the point about what they need to do: “Play domestic cricket. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy starts in November and then the Vijay Hazare Trophy starts in December. That's the best way to be in touch with the game. I remember when MS Dhoni retired from Test cricket, he played a few Syed Mushaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy. That's a great way to stay in touch. I am sure both the batters are going to look at that. Now, you are not playing two formats. They are going to need match practice,” said Aaron on Star Sports.

This feeling matches what Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar has already said, stressing that playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is important for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to be chosen for future tours. After their rusty start, Aaron’s firm message is the sharp wake-up call they needed. To get their form back, it seems the road leads right through India’s local grounds, where even the greatest players must submit to the demands of constant high-level play, just like MS Dhoni did.

Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have played just once in the domestic tournaments for Delhi and Mumbai, respectively.