IND vs SA: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma should not be asked to play domestic cricket?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently tightened its stance on domestic cricket participation, making it compulsory for all centrally contracted players to feature in domestic tournaments unless they are carrying an injury, currently on international duty, or have received special exemption from the board. This directive was introduced to ensure that senior players remain match-ready, contribute to the growth of India’s domestic structure, and set an example for younger cricketers rising through the ranks. As a result, several high-profile names returned to the domestic arena earlier this year. Among them were stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who turned out for Delhi and Mumbai, respectively, in the Ranji Trophy, drawing considerable attention and significantly boosting public interest in the competition.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should return to domestic cricket after the IND vs SA ODI series?

On Tuesday, December 2, the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) further confirmed that Kohli will participate in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, marking another important step in aligning with the BCCI’s expectations. His involvement is expected to lift both the morale and the performance of the Delhi side. Rohit Sharma, too, is anticipated to feature in the 50-over tournament, adding another layer of star presence to the domestic season and reinforcing the board’s emphasis on prioritising domestic cricket.

However, former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has cautioned current selector Ajit Agarkar against compelling senior legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in domestic cricket. Prasad argued that both players continue to outperform several younger members of the squad and have already proven their consistency and value at the highest level. He emphasised that their form, experience, and fitness standards remain superior despite their age, making it unnecessary to subject them to additional domestic workloads. 

Reflecting on his own tenure as chief selector, Prasad noted that he never insisted that MS Dhoni play domestic tournaments, as he believed that established players with exceptional records deserved greater flexibility. He suggested that similar consideration should be extended to Kohli and Rohit, warning that enforcing such participation could be counterproductive and might undermine the respect and stature these icons have earned over their long international careers.

"First thing that needs to be ensured is that you shouldn't be messing with the minds of such big players. They are the ones who are performing, not the younger lot," said former chief selector MSK Prasad.

"It will be ideal if they play domestic cricket when they are not on national duty, because that will also inspire the young players in the state teams. But one should be careful that the issue is not brought up all the time. We never had a word with Dhoni about playing domestic cricket. He played whenever he felt it was necessary. There should be clear communication up front. Or else, stick to the perform-or-perish policy. There should not be any scope for ambiguity," he added.

Rohit Sharma has been in exceptional form in recent months, showcasing remarkable consistency across formats. His dominant run against Australia in October stood out in particular, as he finished as the highest run-scorer of the series and was deservedly named Player of the Series. His poise at the crease and ability to control the innings reaffirmed his status as one of India’s most reliable limited-overs batters. In contrast, Virat Kohli experienced a shaky start to that same ODI series, registering back-to-back ducks in the first two matches.

However, the veteran quickly regained his rhythm, ending the campaign with a composed unbeaten half-century, signalling a timely return to form. Kohli carried that momentum into the IND vs SA first ODI on Sunday, November 30, in Ranchi, producing a masterclass in pacing a chase. He hammered 135 runs off just 120 deliveries, blending aggression with finesse to guide India’s innings. Rohit, too, contributed significantly at the top, scoring a brisk 57 off 51 balls, setting the platform for India’s strong performance.