Rohit Sharma could soon be back in domestic cricket, with reports suggesting the India ODI captain may turn out for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scheduled to start on December 24. The development comes amid murmurs about his and Virat Kohli’s future in the 50-over format, with the 2027 ODI World Cup four years away.

The BCCI, keen to keep senior players match-ready, is reportedly considering asking both stalwarts to feature in the premier domestic List-A competition. The logic is simple: consistent game time at all levels will help assess whether the veterans still have the form and fitness to remain part of India’s long-term ODI plans.

For Rohit, this could be a significant return. The last time he played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was in October 2018, when Mumbai won the tournament. He featured in two knockout matches that season, remaining unbeaten on 33 in the quarter-final against Bihar and scoring 17 in the semi-final against Hyderabad. He missed the final due to national duty, as India faced the West Indies in an ODI the very next day.

Kohli’s Vijay Hazare absence has been even longer; he last played for Delhi in February 2010, scoring 16 against Services. Should the selectors insist on their participation in 2025-26, it would mark a rare domestic one-day appearance for both.

ALSO SEE: From the archive: Full scorecard of Virat Kohli's last domestic List A match

Domestic Return Hinges on Form and 2027 World Cup Plans

India’s schedule complicates matters. After ODIs against Australia in October and South Africa in late November-early December, the Vijay Hazare Trophy will slot in before the New Zealand ODI series starting January 11. Realistically, if Rohit and Kohli are selected for that series, their availability for most VHT games will be minimal.

At this stage, the prospect of seeing the two legends play in the competition depends on two factors: their ODI form in the upcoming six matches before the VHT, and the selectors’ vision for the 2027 World Cup. If they fire against Australia and South Africa, the domestic outing may become unnecessary. But if it runs dry, the VHT could become their proving ground.

For now, Mumbai fans can only hope the possibility turns into reality, a chance to see Rohit Sharma don the Mumbai colours in the Vijay Hazare Trophy once again.

The talk has turned serious: the two current cornerstones of Indian cricket (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) may not be in the picture for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. It has been suggested that the three-match ODI series against Australia (in October this year 2025) could be their last unless they play the domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy to show their form and fitness.

In a world where fans have watched these two potentially carry Indian cricket's batting hopes for more than a decade, the idea is nothing short of earth-shattering. Kohli and Rohit have already said goodbye to T20Is and Tests, assuming we will ever see them in white-ball cricket is a little hard to imagine, it is like imagining a stage play without its lead actors. While it is paramount that young talent is produced and that succession planning is undertaken, there are compelling reasons why Indian cricket should keep the door significantly ajar for these two greats.

1. The Ultimate Big-Tournament Players

World Cups are not just another series; there is nothing bigger in the game. In the years to come, Kohli and Rohit have delivered much more than consistently.

• Rohit Sharma was the top scorer in the 2019 edition with five centuries - you have to qualify anyone in World Cup history, intellectual and real.
• Virat Kohli has held the fort with vital chases almost every ICC tournament since then; his record in knockouts speaks volumes about his mental resolve.

When the pressure cooker is turned on maximum and your allotment for mistakes is zero, these are the people who have continually risen in times of critical action. Sure, the kids may have the skills, but this type of temperament only comes with experience.

2. Age Does Not Equal Decline

In 2027, Rohit will be 40, and Kohli will be 39, ages when athletes in cricket phase into their final stretch. We have also communicated that fitness training and fitness recovery are different beasts today, with the methods available in a constantly changing landscape of recovery. Kohli has changed the narrative when it comes to Indian cricket’s culture of fitness and performance. Kohli has reimagined fitness, exhibiting undeniable endurance and exceptional agility. Rohit, though he has had an injury here and there, remains a sharp cricketer in the field of play and runs between the wickets.

Presently, many greats in the game have been playing at the world-class level into their late thirties and early forties all around the globe. At forty, Misbah-ul-Haq led Pakistan to a World Cup semi-final, and Chris Gayle was playing T20 World Cups at forty-two. It should be on form and fitness, and not a calendar birth date.

3. Their ODI Fortress is Still Unassailable

These two players are not just veterans; they are still among the top players in the format:

• Virat Kohli 302 matches, 14,181 runs, average 57.88, 51 hundreds.
• Rohit Sharma 273 matches, 11,168 runs, average 48.76, 32 hundreds, and the only player in history with three ODI double hundreds.

These are not the numbers of two players living on past reputations - these numbers are active evidence of world-class contribution. 

ALSO SEE: Four shortest ODIs to be played between two full member nations in the 21st century (in terms of balls)

4. Leadership and Mentorship

Even if the management is looking to bring in some new leadership for Shubman Gill or another new captain, taking Rohit and Kohli along to the squad for 2027 could be a huge benefit. They could help mentor the developing batters, particularly in the higher-pressure phases of the tournament. They could provide feedback for tactical decisions.

The combination of youthful exuberance and experienced calm normally wins tournaments; it's the combination that has seen India win the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011.

5. Transition is Easiest When it is Ongoing

Cricketing transitions are the most effective when done with care. The evolution from Sachin-Dravid-Ganguly-Laxman to Dhoni-Kohli-Rohit did not occur spontaneously. The senior players remained long enough for the next generation to step in while still being able to provide on-field support.

Elimination of Rohit and Kohli at the same time would create a leadership void and not allow younger players to take advantage of learning from two of the best limited-overs batters in history.

6. The 2027 World Cup Will be in South Africa

South African conditions typically require experience and adaptability; the pitches can be problematic with decent pace and seaming movement. If we factor in Rohit's security in Australian and South African conditions, along with Kohli's phenomenal overall overseas batting aggregate, India has an intrinsic advantage in terms of overcoming challenges. The proven ability to adapt is likely to be the defining competence in close-fought contests.

No one can say Indian cricket lacks young batting talent: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, and so on, but let’s be clear: we are not looking to the 2027 World Cup for an investment in the future. We are looking to win in the present, when the tournament arrives.

If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are still fit, motivated, and making runs, they have to be in that squad. Leaving them out simply for the sake of transition can be reckless and ultimately costly in terms of whether India is successful in winning the trophy. Great players can produce moments that change the game under extreme pressure.

A world of difference exists between people seeing Kohli punching the air after a winning cover drive, and Rohit raising the bat again for another century, compared to just being beautiful memories. They are much more defined as to why they should be on that biggest stage, one last time.

In the contemporary cricketing era, which has brought about alterations at a fast pace and bowlers are becoming increasingly sharper, making a century has become a real hallmark of excellence. However, a select few batters continue to make centuries across formats, and they have stood up to the changing challenges. Leading this elite group is Virat Kohli from India, who has attained a modern-day record of 82 centuries in international cricket, which is remarkable not only as a hallmark of class but also as a record of utter consistency over the years of international cricket, forcing many to refer to Kohli as the best batter in the world. 

Chasing Kohli are some of the greatest batters of our generation—Joe Root, Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith. Each of these players has a different style to their game; however, they all have a common quality—when they get to the international cricket big stage, they have an ability to rise to the occasion and make it count. Whether it be a defensive Test innings or a free-flowing ODI century, these players challenge our thoughts about batting excellence and then leave us to think again.

Modern-Day Greats and Their Century Race

Virat Kohli – 82 Hundreds

For modern batting, there's nowhere to start other than the King. Kohli's name deserves to be in a golden cap, as he has dominated with 82 international hundreds, and he is quickly closing in on Sachin Tendulkar's record of 100. Kohli's hundreds have been emphatic, whether they have been cover drives at full swing or his historic chases under the lights. Kohli's centuries have always been memorable events that have inspired and lifted millions. What is remarkable is Kohli's hunger. Every time he walks out onto the field, it feels like he challenges his first hundred every time he steps out to bat. 

Joe Root - 57*

Joe Root has snuck up on everyone as the engine to England's batting. With 57 hundreds so far, Root recently took the opportunity to show again why he is so important when he managed to build another classic innings over the series with India. Root would be the last person to pick fights with journalists—which says a lot because, whoever demands the headlines, Root gets the runs. No one plays with more absolute certainty whilst wearing a helmet than Joe Root. His ability to dismantle attacks in tough conditions, especially in tests, is outstanding. Joe Root's elegance is best shown in his batting; he gets lots of runs too.

Also read:Most 50+ scores in Test history: Sachin Tendulkar leads a legendary list

Rohit Sharma – 49 Hundreds

Rohit Sharma is not a batter—he is an experience. With 49 centuries in international cricket, the Indian captain has turned style into domination. Whether he is dismantling bowling attacks in ODIs or holding the innings in Tests, Rohit's effortless sixes and silky timing provide so much to appreciate as a spectator. Few players flow from one gear to the next like Rohit, and even fewer make batting look so simple.

Kane Williamson – 48 Hundreds

Kane Williamson is the eye of the storm: calm, steady, and in control. Williamson has scored 48 international hundreds and for years has provided a weighty anchor to New Zealand’s batting. He is the guy you would want batting for your life: he has a sound technique, is mentally strong, and is reliable. Behind the cool exterior is a fierce competitor that rises to the occasion when his team needs him the most.

Steve Smith – 48 Hundreds

If cricket has a mad genius, it is Steve Smith. Some would get concerned that theater-school coaches would scratch their heads in disbelief at Smith’s technique, but once again, considering his record, it amounts to little more than performance art. Smith has 48 hundreds in international cricket and is currently counting to add to the near-mythical status of his record in Tests (especially from a batting perspective during the Ashes). Smith does not just score runs: she eats up a bowler, one section at a time.

After all the non-stop cricket and leading India through intense matches, Rohit Sharma is finally chilling out. And guess where he’s happiest, With his family the Indian captain was spotted on a calm vacation, looking super relaxed and all smiles. Rohit’s always made it clear that no matter how crazy cricket gets, family is number one. Whether he’s hanging out with his wife Ritika or playing with their daughter Samaira, he’s a total family guy.

Some cute moments from their trip are floating around online Rohit and his family enjoying pretty views, eating local food, and just soaking in quiet time together, far from cricket and crowds. You can tell he’s loving every second of this break.

Rohit Sharma enjoying the vacation with his family. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8iacjXrPJL

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 21, 2025

ALSO READ: Big names return to Zimbabwe Test squad; Interesting story on Brendan Taylor return

This downtime comes after a super busy time with IPL 2025, international games, and big Test matches. Rohit’s been carrying the team, but he knows when to take a breather. Like he once said, “You’ve got to make time for the people who stick by you, win or lose.” Fans are eating up this chill side of the ‘Hitman.’ Social media is buzzing with love for how he balances cricket and family so well.

There’s more cricket coming, but right now, Rohit’s in full vacation mode no bat or gloves, just sunhats, sandals, and his favorite people. His big smile says it all: cricket’s his life, but family’s his home.

What was meant to be a dream chance for young cricketers in Dubai has turned into a nightmare for around 35 families. The academy, which used the “CricKingdom by Rohit Sharma” name, shut down suddenly in May 2025. Many parents are now demanding refunds, and coaches say they have not been paid.

Dreams Turn to Disappointment for Dubai Families

The academy began in September 2024, run by Suhas Pudota across four schools in Dubai. It was heavily promoted with Rohit Sharma’s name and pictures, making parents believe their children would get world-class training. “We joined because of the Rohit Sharma name,” said Jithil, one of the first parents to enroll his child. Another parent, Pratap, said the whole marketing was built around Rohit, so they trusted the brand.

But trouble started early in 2025. By April, classes were irregular even though many had paid for the whole year. By mid-May, training had stopped completely. On May 28, parents were told in a WhatsApp group that Grasport would no longer run the academy and would handle refunds. But parents say they still haven’t received their money back.

Rohit Sharma's cricket Academy in UAE shutdown due to financial difficulties.

Parents are demanding refunds for unused sessions from April to June 2025, covering Term 3 of the academic year, as classes became irregular!! 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/iizlSxznEq

— Gaurav (@Melbourne__82) July 8, 2025

Coaches Left Without Pay and Struggling

The staff also suffered badly. Salaries were getting delayed as early as December 2024. By May 2025, many coaches stopped working because they weren’t paid at all. Assistant coach Tiran Sandun Wijesuriya said he hadn’t been paid since May and couldn’t pay his rent. “I have nowhere to go,” he said. Other coaches, like Ayo Mene Ejegi and Chamani Seneviratne, also said they kept asking for their salaries but only got empty promises.

ALSO READ: 'I think he will...' - Former England legend predicts whether Jofra Archer will play or not at Lord's Test

CricKingdom, the brand owner, said Suhas failed to pay what he owed them after the first payment. Even after giving him extra time, he didn’t pay. By March, CricKingdom told him to stop using their name and Rohit Sharma’s images. By late April, Suhas had left the UAE. He admitted he didn’t plan the finances well and blamed high costs like Dh50,000 monthly rent and running two failing academies.

Now, CricKingdom says they plan to start a new academy on their own by September 2025 and promise to refund or adjust fees. But many parents say they’re tired of just hearing sorry and want real action and their money back. Some have even filed complaints with Dubai authorities, hoping to get justice.

Shikhar Dhawan has always been known as someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, bold, charming, and brutally honest. In his recently released autobiography The One: Cricket, My Life and More, the former India opener opened up about a little-known chapter from his early cricketing days that involved a young romance, hotel room escapades, and an understandably annoyed roommate: Rohit Sharma.

Back in 2006, Dhawan was on an India A tour to Australia. It was meant to be a defining phase in his career, but what unfolded was a whirlwind of emotions as he fell head over heels for a woman he met at the airport upon arrival. “She was a tall brunette with sharp features. I looked at her and smiled; she smiled back,” Dhawan recalls in the book. “She looked divine... I thought to myself, ‘She is the one for me, and I’m going to marry her.’”

Soon, the two exchanged numbers, and what started as a casual interaction quickly escalated into a romantic relationship. Dhawan began meeting her regularly and even started bringing her into his hotel room, one he shared with none other than Rohit Sharma. “After every game, I would go over to meet up with Ellen (not her real name), and I soon started smuggling her into my hotel room. Now and then, Rohit would complain in Hindi: ‘Will you let me sleep?’”

Dhawan says his focus dipped during the 2006 tour because of a new relationship

While Dhawan was lost in the excitement of newfound love, his actions didn’t go unnoticed. One evening, while walking hand-in-hand with Ellen in the hotel lobby, the couple was spotted by a senior national selector. Soon, whispers turned into chatter, and the news of Dhawan’s girlfriend spread like wildfire within the team.

ALSO SEE: West Indian cricketer accused of sexual harassment amid WI vs AUS 2025 1st Test: Reports

Despite the growing attention, Dhawan didn’t see anything wrong in what he was doing. “It didn’t even occur to me that I should let go of her hand, because to me, we were committing no crime.” But Dhawan also reflected on the downside of that period. He candidly admitted that his focus on the field took a hit, and it may have cost him an early break into the Indian senior side.

“There was a good chance that if I had performed consistently on that tour, I would have made it to the senior Indian side, but my performance kept dipping.” Eventually, Dhawan did rise through the ranks and formed one of India’s most iconic opening partnerships in ODIs with none other than Rohit Sharma, the very roommate he once kept awake with his late-night love story.

Throughout his career, Dhawan played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for India, scoring over 10,000 international runs. He particularly excelled in ICC  tournaments, earning the nickname ‘Mr ICC’ for his clutch performances in global events like the 2013 and 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2015 World Cup. Now retired from international cricket, Dhawan’s memoir offers fans a heartfelt and humorous window into the life of a man who always played and loved with passion.

Rohit Sharma is widely Rohit considered to be one of cricket's most stylish and vibrant batsmen. Praised for his free-flowing strokeplay and boundary-clearing capability, Rohit has been a mainstay of India's limited-overs side for many years. His six-hitting talent, particularly in the high-stakes atmosphere of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, has turned many games India's way.

As the T20 World Cup began in 2007, has been a regular feature, playing every edition a testament to his ability, fitness, and reliability. In these nine editions, Rohit has hit 50 sixes in total, the second-highest six-hitter in the history of the tournament after the West Indies' big hitter Chris Gayle.

This is a year-wise analysis of Rohit Sharma's sixes in T20 World Cups:

 ALSO SEE:'It won't be easy' - Former India skipper reflects upon chances of Rohit-Virat duo in ODI World Cup 2027

Watch the Video: 

All Rohit Sharma 50 sixes Compilation in T20I World Cup 720p50.pic.twitter.com/5obb2Wkled

— Zeref (@Techno3012) June 22, 2025

Stellar Career Batting Stats That Define Rohit Sharma

The one in 2024 was particularly special, where Rohit smashed a record 15 sixes, the most in any World Cup series. Rohit's overall batting figures even more reflect his great ability. In Tests, he has amassed 4,301 runs at 40.57, with 12 centuries. In One Day Internationals, he has more than 11,000 runs at an average of almost 49, with 32 hundreds. His T20I stats are not bad either, with 4,231 runs at a strike rate of over 140.

Aside from his batting prowess, Rohit is a powerful leader and finisher at crunch times. His composed nature and acutely intelligent cricket brain have led India through numerous key instances. His T20 World Cup record-breaking six-hitting not only thrills the audience but also solidifies his place among cricket's new legends.

Sourav Ganguly: 2027 World Cup Won’t Be Easy for Rohit and Kohli

Sourav Ganguly has said that the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup won’t be as easy for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as many people think. Their recent retirement from Test cricket just a week apart made headlines and gave fans hope that the two legends are saving their energy for one last World Cup. But Ganguly feels it’s not that simple.

By the time the next World Cup arrives, Kohli will be 39 and Rohit will be 40. Staying fit and match-ready at that age is tough. Even though they won’t be playing Tests or T20s anymore, Ganguly pointed out that they’ll still need to play around 27 ODIs before the tournament, and maybe even more if the schedule changes.

“It’s not going to be easy. Playing 15 ODIs a year is a lot,” Ganguly said. “I don’t need to give them advice they know the game well. But we all have to accept that one day, they will walk away from cricket, and the game will move on too.”

Ganguly predicts it's difficult for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma till 2027.

With only handful of matches every year now. Each match performance matters since there is a lot of competition nowpic.twitter.com/e6Ao5Gx76w

— Forever_ICT (@loyal_cskian) June 22, 2025

Besides ODIs, Rohit and Kohli will also play in the IPL. It may not directly help their ODI form, but staying on the field and playing competitive cricket will definitely help them stay sharp. Their decision to retire from Test cricket also makes sense. Rohit’s Test form had dipped, and Kohli struggled with balls outside off stump, especially in Australia. Playing all formats was becoming harder with age.

ALSO READ: Watch: MS Dhoni brings the cool in dettol’s icy cool summer campaign

Still, they are both very strong in ODIs. In the recent Champions Trophy, Kohli scored 218 runs with a century, while Rohit scored 180, including a vital 76 in the final. They also did well in the 2023 World Cup at home. With series in Australia and New Zealand coming up, it won’t be easy. But if they stay fit and focused, winning the 2027 World Cup could be the perfect way to end their amazing careers.

When Shubman Gill walks out for the toss with England captain Ben Stokes at Headingley on June 20, it will be a big moment for him. It will be his first time leading India in a Test match. This five-match Test series will also start a new chapter for Team India, with Gill taking over as captain after Rohit Sharma’s retirement.

India last won a Test series in England back in 2007 under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy. Before that, they had memorable wins in 1971 under Ajit Wadekar and in 1986 under Kapil Dev. Now, with Gill as captain, Kapil Dev feels confident that India can win again.

“Achha aur talented baccha hai – he’s a good and talented boy, and now he’s the captain of the Indian team,” Kapil said during an event by Three Sixty, held to celebrate his famous 175 runs not out against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup. “I’m sure he will bring the trophy back. We are proud of him and the whole team. I hope they give their best and come back as winners.”

Shubman has played only three Tests in England so far, scoring 88 runs with an average of 14.66. But now he will have the big job of leading the team in tough conditions. With senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R. Ashwin retiring from Test cricket, the team now has a new look. Experienced names like Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and vice-captain Rishabh Pant are still there to support the youngsters.

ALSO READ: ENG vs IND: Kapil Dev not happy with Pataudi Trophy getting a new name, says it feels a bit odd

Many new players will be playing in England for the first time Sai Sudharsan, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep. All of them will be looking to make a mark in challenging English conditions. Kapil Dev said people should not call this team “inexperienced.” 

“Today they may not have much experience, but tomorrow they will. I believe this team can do something special. My only message to them is go out there, play freely, and enjoy the game,” Kapil said. Talking about Jasprit Bumrah, Kapil praised him highly. “He’s one of the best bowlers in the world. He knows what to do and how to win games. For me, the team is always more important than anything else,” he added.

England fast bowler Brydon Carse says India will still be a tough side to beat in the upcoming five-match Test series, even though big names like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retired. Speaking in Leeds before the first Test at Headingley on June 20, Carse admitted that their absence is a big blow but believes India’s young players are more than ready to step up.

“Virat and Sharma have been world-class batters for many years. Of course, it’s a big loss for India,” Carse said. “But they’ve got a lot of talent coming through. I’m sure they’ll still put out a very strong team. We’re ready for the challenge.”

India, now captained by Shubman Gill, are going through a change, but Carse warned that their inexperience doesn’t make them any less dangerous. He also spoke about how England’s bowlers plan to attack the new-look Indian batting line-up. “No matter how good a batter is, the early part of the innings is always tricky. We’ll stick to our plans and try to get them out early,” he said.

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With senior bowlers like James Anderson retired and both Jofra Archer and Mark Wood out injured, Carse is expected to play a bigger role. He missed the Champions Trophy due to injury but is now fully fit and eager to make an impact even if it means taking the new ball.

“If I’m asked to take the new ball, I’d love to. It’s a big opportunity,” he said. “We’ve got a huge few months coming up first India, then the Ashes. These are the kind of games every cricketer dreams of playing.” Carse has already picked up 27 wickets in five away Tests and is now looking forward to playing his first Test at home and making it count against one of the best teams in the world.