Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to Play Vijay Hazare Trophy for ODI Future: Reports

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are likely to return to the domestic one-day cricket later in the year. Both are expected to play Vijay Hazare Trophy matches before India’s ODI series against New Zealand in January 2026. The move comes after the selectors’ plan to have senior players play the domestic games as part of preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

As per a PTI report, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are likely to play for their state teams Rohit for Mumbai and Kohli for Delhi between India’s South Africa tour and the home series against New Zealand. After the final ODI on December 6 in Visakhapatnam, there will be a five-week break before the New Zealand series starts on January 11 in Vadodara. The Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s main domestic Fifty-over tournament, will happen in the period from December 24 to early January.

Mumbai and Delhi will play their league matches on December 24, 26, 29, and 31, and followed by January 3, 6, and 8. Selectors expect Rohit and Kohli to play at least three of these games. Their participation will highlight the value of domestic cricket and help them stay in focusn in 50-over format before a busy international schedule.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has said that clearly if players are available, they must play. He has highlighted that all fit, centrally contracted players must play domestic cricket when not on national duty. This step is followed to keep senior players connected to domestic cricket and give more chances to young players focusing for the ODI team.

🚨 KOHLI & ROHIT HAVE TO PLAY VIJAY HAZARE FOR ODI FUTURE 🚨

- If Kohli & Rohit want to continue playing ODIs, then they will have to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The national selectors have called officials of DDCA & MCA, asking them to be prepared. (Abhishek Tripathi). pic.twitter.com/uWUOgadjIc

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) October 9, 2025

A BCCI official told PTI, “Between the last ODI against South Africa on December 6 and the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11, there’s a five-week gap. The Vijay Hazare Trophy starts on December 24. There will be six rounds of matches for Mumbai. Rohit is expected to play at least three before joining the squad, and the same applies to Virat.”

By the 2027 World Cup, Rohit will be 38 and Kohli 37, so their form and fitness will be closely watched. Playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be important in deciding their future in India’s ODI team.

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