Mumbai, November 12, 2025 — The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has conveyed to senior cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma that participation in domestic one-day tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be crucial for their continued selection in India’s ODI team.
Both players, who have retired from Tests and T20Is, are still active in the 50-over format. The move comes as the board looks to ensure top-level match fitness and continuity ahead of India’s next one-day assignments.
BCCI’s directive
According to sources cited by The Indian Express, the BCCI and team management have informed the two veterans that they must feature in domestic cricket if they wish to remain part of India’s ODI setup. The board believes the decision will help maintain competitive readiness between international fixtures.
“As they have retired from two formats, they will have to play domestic cricket to be match-fit if they want to play for India,” said a senior board official.
Possible Vijay Hazare appearance
The Vijay Hazare Trophy, scheduled to begin on December 24, could mark the return of the two stalwarts to domestic cricket. The tournament falls between India’s ODI series against South Africa (Dec 3–9) and New Zealand (Jan 11) — making it an ideal window for match practice.
Rohit Sharma has already informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) of his availability, while Virat Kohli, currently in London, is yet to confirm participation. Rohit is also considering playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, beginning November 26, as part of his preparation.
Selectors’ stance
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has reiterated the importance of domestic appearances, noting that players should compete whenever available. Both Rohit and Kohli featured in a Ranji Trophy match each last season, breaking decade-long gaps in their domestic careers.
Agarkar clarified that neither player is “on trial” but emphasized the need for consistency and sharpness ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered sports betting, fantasy gaming, or financial advice.
