Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma set to comply with BCCI’s demand to play Vijay Hazare Trophy: Reports

As the path ahead grows hazy for senior stalwarts, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are reportedly keen on extending their stay beyond the Australia tour. Rohit Sharma was replaced by Shubman Gill as the India ODI captain, as revealed during the announcement of the squad for Australia tour. The significant step taken by the BCCI selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, signaled the board's plans to phase the seniors out ahead of the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. Meanwhile, a return to domestic cricket was suggested as the only way for the former skippers to secure their place in the format. As it turns out, Kohli and Rohit have complied with the board's condition and are set to feature in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy season.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma likely to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy

Senior Indian batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma seem to have responded to the cautionary message shot by Ajit Agarkar at the announcement of the India squad for Australia Tour. The former India captains are likely to take a crucial step toward keeping their names in the frame for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. As per a recent report, both stalwarts are likely to feature in at least three, and possibly four, matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy before India’s home ODI series against New Zealand begins in January.

This development follows the recent remarks of Ajit Agarkar, expressed during the squad announcement press conference for the Australia Tour. While the chief selector did not name Kohli and Rohit specifically, he emphasized that he expected the fan-favorites to participate in the domestic List A competition. At the time, Agarkar had refrained from giving a definitive statement about their 2027 ICC ODI World Cup selection for South Africa, making his expectations from the two senior players clear.

 “I think we made it clear a year, or a couple of years back, now, that whenever players are available, they should be playing domestic cricket. I mean, that’s the only way you’ll keep yourself sharp and playing cricket, if you’ve got a long enough break. Whether that’s possible with the international cricket you’re playing or not, that only time will tell, but if the guys are free, they should be playing domestic cricket," Agarkar had remarked.

According to the latest update, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma appear to have acknowledged Agarkar’s suggestion and are reportedly set to be available for a minimum of three Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures. The tournament is scheduled to commence on December 24. Between the end of the home ODI series against South Africa and the start of the New Zealand games, both Delhi and Mumbai are expected to play at least six rounds in the competition a window that gives the selectors enough opportunity to observe the pair’s domestic form.

"Between the last ODI against South Africa on December 6 at Visakhapatnam and the first ODI against New Zealand at Vadodara on January 11, there is a gap of five weeks. The Vijay Hazare Trophy starts on December 24. There will be six rounds of games for Mumbai (December 24, 26, 29, 31, Jan 3, 6, 8). Rohit will be expected to at least play three rounds before linking up with the squad. Ditto for Virat," a BCCI source was quoted saying in the report.

For context, Virat Kohli last represented Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy back in 2010, scoring 16 runs while batting at No. 5 against the Services. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, recently replaced with Shubman Gill as the India ODI captain, last featured in the tournament in 2018, registering 24 runs in Mumbai’s semi-final clash against Hyderabad.