Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as selectors pushed for senior players’ participation in domestic cricket.
As India prepares for the ODI series against New Zealand in January, veteran stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to return to domestic one-day action. The duo may feature in at least three, and possibly four, Vijay Hazare Trophy matches—provided they continue to be contenders for the 2027 ICC World Cup.
Between the conclusion of the South Africa ODIs and the start of the New Zealand leg, both Delhi and Mumbai—the domestic teams Rohit and Kohli represent—will play at least six rounds of Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures. National selectors are reportedly keen to see the two senior cricketers participate in the 50-over domestic competition to stay match-fit and maintain form.
This expectation aligns with the stance of Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, who has repeatedly emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for all players. “Whenever the players are available, they should be playing domestic cricket,” Agarkar had said earlier, making it clear that even centrally contracted stars like Rohit and Kohli would no longer receive exceptions.
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Their participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy would serve several purposes—keeping them match-ready in the ODI format, providing selectors with recent domestic performance data, and reinforcing the message that no player is above the system.
However, scheduling challenges could limit their involvement. The Vijay Hazare Trophy is set to overlap with India’s ODI series, which means both Rohit and Kohli may only be available for a few matches. Reports suggest their participation will depend on fitness, availability, and how the schedule aligns with international duties.
If the two senior batters do feature, it will mark a notable shift in policy. Rohit last played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2018, while Kohli’s previous appearance came back in 2010. Their return would highlight the selectors’ renewed focus on accountability and consistency across all levels of cricket.
Should they take the field, their performances will be closely monitored—not only by fans but also by the selectors shaping India’s roadmap for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Their showing in the domestic tournament could play a major role in determining their future in India’s 50-over setup.
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Last Updated on October 9, 2025
