Kohli and Rohit to play Vijay Hazare Trophy to secure ODI future
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to feature in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy to prove their ODI readiness ahead of the 2027 World Cup, with selectors insisting on domestic participation.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup in sight, India’s seasoned duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to feature in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, a move aimed at reaffirming their commitment to 50-over cricket and proving their readiness for the next ODI cycle.
According to reports, both stalwarts are expected to play at least three matches each for their respective state teams, Delhi (Kohli) and Mumbai (Rohit), before rejoining the national setup for the New Zealand ODI series in January 2026. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed state associations to prepare for their inclusion, signalling the selectors’ intent to make domestic participation mandatory for all centrally contracted players.
India’s final ODI of 2025 will be played against South Africa on December 6 in Visakhapatnam. After that, there’s a five-week gap before the New Zealand series begins on January 11 in Vadodara, a window that conveniently aligns with the Vijay Hazare Trophy schedule. Mumbai will play six league games between December 24 and January 8, and selectors expect both senior players to utilize the tournament to stay in rhythm.
A BCCI source confirmed to PTI, “The Vijay Hazare Trophy starts on December 24. There will be six rounds 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.”
Selectors push for domestic participation
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has emphasized that all fit and available players must participate in domestic cricket to remain part of India’s long-term plans. With limited ODI fixtures in the upcoming months, the Vijay Hazare Trophy presents a crucial opportunity for Kohli and Rohit to maintain match fitness and form in the 50-over format.
Ashwin backs move for veterans to play domestic cricket
Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, also stressed the importance of senior players participating in domestic competitions to stay sharp.
“If you need their services, you have to find a way. For example, the India ‘A’ series happened, so you need to ask them to play that because there is not much 50-over cricket. If not that, then they have to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, because that will let us know the kind of form they are in,” said Ashwin.
As India begins long-term planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy could serve as a vital testing ground for the veteran pair, ensuring they remain aligned with the team’s evolving roadmap.
Tags:
