Post by : Maya Rahman

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed strong interest in having former Indian captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli partake in the upcoming 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. This premier domestic one-day tournament is set to run from December 24 to January 18, serving as a crucial platform for players to refine their skills ahead of international fixtures.

Reports from the Times of India indicate that the BCCI would have preferred if both players had participated in some matches in England over the summer. As preparations for the domestic season unfold, the board is keen to encourage Rohit and Kohli to align with their respective teams for next month’s Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Rohit Sharma has already signaled his readiness to represent Mumbai in the tournament. However, Kohli's participation remains unconfirmed. It has been over ten years since Kohli last played in the VHT for Delhi, although he did take part in a Ranji Trophy match earlier this year under the captaincy of Ayush Badoni at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Given this context, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he opts to play for Delhi in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy.

The BCCI is also coordinating a meeting with selectors and the team management post the India-South Africa ODI series, which is set for November 30 to December 6. This meeting aims to strategize for Rohit and Kohli’s roles in the ODI squad, particularly with the 2027 ODI World Cup looming. The discussions are expected to clarify expectations and prepare for possible scenarios where either player might miss certain matches.

Sources suggest the team management is actively looking for backup players in case they're needed. BCCI representatives have emphasized that clarity in roles is vital for players of Rohit and Kohli's caliber. “Essential clarity about their roles and how the management perceives them is crucial. Players of their stature cannot thrive in uncertainty,” stated a source.

The source added that while both players managed to score in the third ODI against Australia, the series had already been lost, and they appeared less sharp in the earlier matches. Such scenarios reinforce the necessity of allowing these experienced players to regain their form and confidence through domestic cricket before the international season picks up again.

The upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy provides the ideal backdrop for Rohit and Kohli to maintain their match fitness, prepare thoroughly, and mentor younger players in their teams. With the BCCI's focus on cultivating a resilient and competitive squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, ensuring the involvement of seasoned players in domestic tournaments aligns with a broader vision for maintaining experience and leadership across all levels.

The presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would not only elevate the tournament's caliber but also motivate aspiring cricketers from Mumbai and Delhi to elevate their performances. Their involvement will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, as it may signal India's ODI strategy heading into the World Cup.

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