Rohit Sharma Agrees to Play Domestic Cricket After BCCI Directive; Kohli’s Decision Awaited
Following a strong directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), former captain Rohit Sharma has informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) that he will be available to play in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy.
This decision comes as the BCCI and team management have made domestic cricket participation mandatory for senior players, like Sharma and Virat Kohli, who wish to remain in contention for the national team, particularly for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
With both stars having retired from Tests and T20 Internationals to focus solely on the 50-over format, the board is insisting they “go through the domestic grind” to maintain match-fitness. “As they have retired from two formats, they have to play domestic cricket to be match-fit,” a BCCI official told The Indian Express.
Rohit’s Commitment, Kohli’s Silence
According to reports, Rohit has confirmed his participation in Mumbai’s campaign, which is set to begin on December 24. This window falls between India’s home ODI series against South Africa (December 3-9) and New Zealand (January 11 onwards).
The 38-year-old, who is reportedly training at Mumbai’s Sharad Pawar Indoor Academy, is also believed to be considering participation in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which begins on November 26.
In contrast, there is still no clarity on Virat Kohli’s availability. Sources indicate that the 37-year-old, who now resides in London, has not yet communicated his plans to the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA).
Selectors’ Stance: “Non-Negotiable” but “Not a Trial”
Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the national selection committee, reiterated that playing domestic cricket is “non-negotiable” for players when they are not on international duty. “We made it clear a year, or a couple of years back, that whenever players are available, they should be playing domestic cricket,” Agarkar stated.
However, Agarkar also clarified that this is not a “trial” for the veteran players.
“They are not on trial; they have achieved all they had to achieve, not just winning trophies but runs as well. But 2027 is a long way away. Once they start playing, then you assess as you go forward,” he said.
Both players recently played in the ODI series against Australia, where Rohit was named Player of the Series. Selectors are reportedly keen to see both Sharma and Kohli get in “competitive 50-over action”—playing at least three or four Vijay Hazare Trophy matches—before the New Zealand series in January.
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Source: publicly available reports and articles