Rohit Sharma Confirms Participation in Vijay Hazare Trophy Following BCCI Directive: Reports

Former India captain Rohit Sharma has told the Mumbai Cricket Association that he will play in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. This comes after the BCCI made it clear that senior players must play in domestic matches if they want to be considered for future India ODIs and the 2027 World Cup.

According to The Indian Express, Rohit Sharma has confirmed he will play for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which starts on December 24. This is the only domestic one-day window between India’s home ODI series against South Africa (December 3–9) and New Zealand (from January 11). However, it is still unclear if Virat Kohli will play, as the 37-year-old, now living in London has not yet shared his plans with the Delhi & District Cricket Association.

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from Test and T20 cricket to focus only on 50-over matches. Still, the BCCI and team management have said that even big stars must play domestic cricket to stay fit and keep their place in the national team.

“The board and team management have conveyed to both of them that they will have to play domestic cricket if they want to play for India. As they both have retired from two formats, they have to play domestic cricket to be match-fit,” a BCCI source said.

Senior Stars Likely to Play Vijay Hazare Trophy Ahead of New Zealand ODIs

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played for India in the Australia ODIs. Rohit was the Player of the Series, scoring a half-century and a century in the second and third matches, while Kohli, after two ducks made an unbeaten fifty in the last game. Rohit, who last played for Mumbai in a Ranji Trophy match earlier this year after ten years, is also thinking of playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy starting November 26. The 38-year-old has been training at Mumbai’s Sharad Pawar Indoor Academy to get ready for the domestic season.

National selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar said that playing in domestic competitions is mandatory for players when they are not on international duty. He explained that domestic cricket helps players stay sharp and ready, especially during long breaks from international matches.

Agarkar added that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not “on trial,” but their fitness and form will still be checked through domestic performances. Reports suggest both are likely to play at least three or four Vijay Hazare Trophy matches before the New Zealand ODI series in January, giving them a chance to stay match-ready. Between the South Africa and New Zealand series, Mumbai and Delhi will play six rounds of matches, providing plenty of opportunities for the senior players.

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