Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is keen to see former India captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli participate in the upcoming 2025-26 edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Scheduled from December 24 to January 18, the premier domestic one-day tournament is an important platform for players to showcase their form ahead of international competitions.
According to a report in the Times of India, the BCCI expressed that it would have preferred if both players had played some cricket in England during the summer. As part of preparations for the domestic season, the board intends to advise Rohit and Kohli to join their respective teams in the Vijay Hazare Trophy next month.
Rohit Sharma has already confirmed his availability for Mumbai’s matches in the tournament. However, there is no official confirmation yet regarding Kohli’s participation. Kohli has not featured in the VHT for Delhi for more than a decade. He did, however, play a single Ranji Trophy match earlier this year under Ayush Badoni’s leadership at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Considering this, it would not be surprising if Kohli decides to represent Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well.
The BCCI is also planning a meeting with selectors and team management following the India-South Africa ODI series, scheduled from November 30 to December 6. The purpose of the meeting is to finalize plans for Rohit and Kohli’s future in the ODI squad, keeping the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. This meeting will help the management clarify expectations and plan for potential contingencies in case either player is unavailable for certain matches.
Reports suggest that the team management is also identifying backup players to step in if required. The BCCI source emphasized that clarity is crucial for players of Rohit and Kohli’s stature. “It is very important that players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are given clarity about what is expected of them and how the current management views their roles. They cannot play with uncertainty,” the source said.
The source added that although both players scored in the third ODI in Australia, the series was already lost, and they appeared rusty in the first two matches. Such performances underline the importance of giving these senior players the opportunity to regain form and confidence in domestic cricket before the international season resumes.
The upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy offers an ideal platform for Rohit and Kohli to prepare, maintain match fitness, and guide younger players in their squads. With the BCCI focusing on building a strong and competitive team for the 2027 ODI World Cup, involving seasoned players in domestic tournaments is part of a broader strategy to ensure experience and leadership are available at all levels.
The inclusion of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would not only boost the quality of the tournament but also inspire emerging cricketers from Mumbai and Delhi to perform at their best. Their participation will be closely watched by fans and cricket experts, as it could provide a glimpse into India’s ODI strategy in the lead-up to the World Cup.
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