BCCI Responds to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Playing in Vijay Hazare Trophy Rumours

People are talking a lot about the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in international cricket. Both senior players have retired from Test and T20I cricket and are now playing only in the 50-over format.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Back in Vijay Hazare Trophy, Eyeing 2027 World Cup

Recently, both have been in great form. Rohit Sharma was named Player of the Series for his excellent batting against Australia, while Virat Kohli earned the same award in the three-match series against South Africa. In that series, Virat scored two centuries and an unbeaten fifty, and Rohit made two fifties as India won the series 2-1. Even though they are performing well, there are still questions about how much longer they will continue playing.

There were rumours that the BCCI was forcing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play in this season’s Vijay Hazare Trophy. A few months ago, the board made it mandatory for centrally contracted players to play domestic cricket if they are not part of any international series.

But a BCCI official has denied these rumours, saying the board did not push the two stars to play. RevSportz reported that the official shook his head when asked if the BCCI had asked them to play. “They have decided, it’s their decision,” the official said.

Kohli has already confirmed that he will play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and informed the Delhi and District Cricket Association. DDCA President Rohan Jaitley also confirmed his participation. Rohit Sharma is expected to represent Mumbai in the tournament as well.
Even though Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have performed well in the last two series, head coach Gautam Gambhir has not given a clear answer about their future. He did not say whether they will play in the next ODI World Cup in 2027.

“They are world-class players, and their experience is very important in the team. They have been performing for a long time. Hopefully, they can keep doing well, which will be important in the 50-over format,” said Gambhir. “First, we have to remember that the ODI World Cup is two years away. Right now, it’s important to focus on the present and give young players a chance to show their talent,” he added.

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