Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now play only one format for India in international cricket. According to recent reports from PTI, the Indian stalwarts are set to feature in this year’s Vijay Hazare Trophy. The reports suggest that the duo will participate in at least three rounds of the tournament ahead of India’s home series against New Zealand.
Having retired from T20Is and Test cricket, Rohit Sharma and Kohli are set to return to international action after a seven-month break in the three-match ODI series against Australia, starting October 19. The future of both players has been a topic of discussion in recent days.
This development follows the announcement of the Indian squad for the ODI series against Australia, in which Rohit was removed as captain. Reports further indicated that if Rohit Sharma and Kohli aim to play in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be mandatory.
Even Indian selectors’ chairman Ajit Agarkar emphasized that every centrally contracted player who is fit and available is expected to play domestic cricket. There will be no exceptions for Rohit Sharma and Kohli, who are confirmed to feature in the upcoming edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Rohit Sharma Likely to Play Minimum Three Vijay Hazare Matches Before Joining Squad – BCCI Source
A source close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, following the South Africa ODIs and prior to the New Zealand series. Speaking to PTI, the source said:
“Between the final ODI against South Africa on December 6 in Visakhapatnam and the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11 in Vadodara, there is a gap of five weeks.
“The Vijay Hazare Trophy begins on December 24. Mumbai will play six rounds (December 24, 26, 29, 31, and January 3, 6, 8). Rohit is expected to feature in at least three matches before linking up with the national squad. The same applies to Virat,” the BCCI source, who requested anonymity, told PTI.
The forthcoming ODI series against Australia will be crucial for both Rohit and Kohli regarding their future prospects in the team. How they perform in this series remains to be seen.
