Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli to play Vijay Hazare Trophy?:Selectors expect senior duo to feature in at least three rounds, tournament starts Dec 24- Report

India’s senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to feature in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy before the ODI series against New Zealand in January 2026. Both stalwarts could play at least three, if not four, matches for their domestic teams, Mumbai and Delhi, as part of their preparations for the new international season. The move comes as the selectors and team management look to ensure that every centrally contracted player stays match-fit and in rhythm ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The five-week break between the South Africa and New Zealand ODI series allows players to return to domestic cricket. The BCCI, under the guidance of chief selector Ajit Agarkar, has made it clear that fit and available players should represent their state sides when not on national duty. This policy is aimed at keeping players connected with domestic cricket and allowing selectors to assess their form ahead of key assignments. With the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier 50-over domestic tournament beginning on December 24, Rohit and Kohli are expected to take the field for their respective teams in the early rounds. For fans and selectors alike, this would be a great opportunity to watch two of India’s most experienced batters return to the domestic circuit. Gap between international series opens the window India’s last ODI against South Africa is scheduled for December 6 in Visakhapatnam, while the first ODI against New Zealand will be played in Vadodara on January 11. This five-week break provides enough time for senior players to feature in domestic matches. According to reports, Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures are set for December 24, 26, 29, 31, and January 3, 6, and 8. Rohit is expected to play at least three of these games before joining the Indian squad for the New Zealand series. Kohli is also likely to follow a similar schedule with Delhi. Also read: India, Singapore draw 1-1 in Asian Cup 2027 qualifier: Rahim Ali saves the day for Blue Tigers after Ikhsan Fandi’s early goal A BCCI source told PTI, on the condition of anonymity, that the selectors would like both players to use the domestic tournament to get back into competitive rhythm. “Rohit will be expected to play at least three rounds before linking up with the squad. Ditto for Virat,” the source said. Selectors urge domestic participation for Indian players Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar has been firm about his stance that every centrally contracted player must be available for domestic cricket when fit. This is seen as an effort to ensure consistency and accountability among players, especially senior cricketers who might not play every international series. The focus on the Vijay Hazare Trophy is also a result of limited 50-over cricket being played in the current cycle. The selectors believe participation in the tournament will help players maintain their ODI rhythm, particularly with the 2027 World Cup in mind. Also read: ‘We need them’- Shubman Gill shuts down Rohit-Kohli retirement buzz: India’s new ODI skipper wishes to maintain same team culture as ‘Rohit bhai’ Challenges ahead for Rohit, Virat for World Cup 2027 For Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both in their mid-30s, these domestic appearances could mark an important step toward preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup. While both have expressed interest in continuing their ODI careers, consistent form and match readiness will be key. Virat Kohli led Delhi in his last Vijay Hazare match in 2010, with Shikhar Dhawan and BCCI President Mithun Manhas in the team back then. He has scored only 16 runs. However, Rohit Sharma played for Mumbai under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy against Ambati Rayudu-led Hyderabad in 2018. Former India skipper scored only 17 runs. Both Delhi and Mumbai won their respective matches.