Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Urged to Compete in Vijay Hazare Trophy

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is eager to see former Indian captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli take part in the forthcoming 2025-26 edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Slated to occur from December 24 to January 18, this premier domestic one-day tournament serves as an essential stage for players to display their form before upcoming international contests.

As reported by the Times of India, the BCCI has expressed a preference for both players to have engaged in cricket during the English summer. To prepare for the domestic season, the board plans to advise Rohit and Kohli to join their teams for the Vijay Hazare Trophy next month.

Rohit Sharma has confirmed his readiness to play for Mumbai in the tournament. However, no official word has been given regarding Kohli's participation. Kohli hasn't participated in the VHT for Delhi in over a decade, although he did play in one Ranji Trophy match earlier this year under Ayush Badoni at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Therefore, it wouldn't be a surprise if Kohli opts to play for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well.

The BCCI is planning to meet with selectors and team management post the India-South Africa ODI series, which runs from November 30 to December 6. This meeting aims to outline plans for Rohit and Kohli’s future in the ODI team, considering the 2027 ODI World Cup. The discussion will clarify expectations and prepare for any contingencies should either player be unavailable for certain matches.

Reports indicate that the team management is also scouting for backup players to step in if needed. One BCCI source noted that clarity is essential for players of Rohit and Kohli's caliber. “It is crucial that players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli understand what is expected of them and how the current management views their roles. They cannot perform under uncertainty,” the source explained.

The source also stated that even though both players contributed runs in the third ODI in Australia, the series was lost, and they appeared out of form in the first two matches. Such assessments underscore the necessity of allowing these seasoned players to regain their form and confidence through domestic cricket before the international season resumes.

The upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy provides an excellent opportunity for Rohit and Kohli to prepare, maintain match fitness, and mentor younger players in their squads. With the BCCI's emphasis on developing a competitive team for the 2027 ODI World Cup, engaging experienced players in domestic tournaments is part of a broader strategy to ensure leadership is readily available.

Having Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli participating would enhance the tournament's quality and motivate emerging cricketers from Mumbai and Delhi to excel. Their involvement is expected to capture the attention of fans and cricket experts, offering insight into India's ODI strategy as the World Cup approaches.