In a significant development for Indian cricket, former captain Virat Kohli and veteran opener Rohit Sharma have confirmed their participation in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, adhering to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s strict mandate requiring centrally contracted players to feature in domestic cricket. This decision marks a crucial step in both players’ quest to remain in contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, where they hope to add another pinnacle achievement to their illustrious careers.
The Delhi & District Cricket Association president Rohan Jaitley confirmed on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, that Virat Kohli has made himself available for the premier 50-over domestic tournament starting December 24. The confirmation comes as the 37-year-old continues his impressive form in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa, having recently smashed his 52nd ODI century with a magnificent 135-run knock in Ranchi that included seven towering sixes.
Similarly, Rohit Sharma has informed the Mumbai Cricket Association of his intent to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, marking a return to domestic cricket after a seven-year absence from the tournament. The 38-year-old opener, who last featured in the competition in 2018, demonstrated his enduring class during India’s recent ODI series against Australia with scores of 8, 73, and an unbeaten 121, earning the Player of the Series award despite India’s 2-1 defeat.
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BCCI’s Domestic Cricket Mandate: A Clear Message
The BCCI has made playing domestic cricket mandatory for contracted cricketers unless they are injured or on national duty. This directive carries particular significance for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have both retired from Test cricket and T20 Internationals to focus exclusively on the ODI format.
Board sources revealed the thinking behind this requirement, stating that since both players have retired from two formats, they must play domestic cricket to remain match-fit. With fewer ODI fixtures scheduled in the international calendar, the BCCI views participation in tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy as essential for maintaining competitive rhythm and form.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had emphasized this policy earlier, stating that whenever players are available and not on national duty, they should be playing domestic cricket as the only way to keep themselves sharp and ready. This policy applies to all centrally contracted players regardless of their seniority or past achievements, making it clear that reputation alone will not guarantee selection.
The Age Factor and 2027 World Cup Uncertainty
Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar labeled both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as “non-committal” about the 2027 ODI World Cup. The timing of this revelation added context to the BCCI’s insistence on domestic participation, as the board seeks concrete evidence of sustained fitness and form from the veteran duo.
By the time the 2027 ODI World Cup begins in South Africa, Rohit Sharma will be 40 years old while Virat Kohli will be approaching his 39th birthday. These ages represent unprecedented territory for Indian cricket, as the team has rarely depended on players in their late thirties for major ICC tournaments. The board’s hesitation to plan too far ahead stems from legitimate concerns about whether both players can maintain their physical condition and competitive edge for another two years.
However, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have repeatedly shown they still possess the class and skill to dominate at the highest level. Their recent performances in ODI cricket have silenced critics who questioned whether they could recapture their form after extended breaks from international action.
| Player | Age Now | Age at 2027 WC | Current ODI Average | ODI Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 38 | 40 | 48.8 | 32 |
| Virat Kohli | 37 | 39 | 57.9 | 52 |
Virat Kohli’s Return to Delhi After 15 Years
Virat Kohli’s decision to play for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy marks his return to the tournament after a staggering 15-year hiatus. His last appearance came during the 2009-10 season when he led Delhi in a match against Services, scoring just 16 runs off eight balls while batting at number five. The gap between appearances highlights how Kohli’s international commitments have kept him away from domestic cricket for more than a decade.
DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma confirmed that Kohli will definitely play a few games, though it remains uncertain whether he will feature in the entire tournament. The scheduling allows Kohli to participate after completing the ongoing ODI series against South Africa, which concludes on December 6 in Visakhapatnam, giving him adequate preparation time before the tournament’s December 24 start date.
Delhi will play seven group stage matches during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with five fixtures scheduled in Alur on the outskirts of Bengaluru, and two matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. For Kohli, the Chinnaswamy holds special significance as his home ground for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League, where he has delivered countless memorable performances over the years.
The group stage concludes on January 8, just three days before India’s ODI series against New Zealand begins in Vadodara on January 11. This tight scheduling means Kohli’s participation might be limited to the group matches, though his presence alone will provide an enormous boost to Delhi’s campaign and younger players in the squad.
Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Return After Seven Years
Rohit Sharma’s commitment to the Vijay Hazare Trophy represents his first appearance in the tournament since 2018. The Mumbai captain has a modest record in the competition, having played just five matches across 2013, 2017, and 2019, accumulating 161 runs at an average of 40.25. His highest score of 92 against Kerala in 2017 demonstrated his ability to dominate in the domestic format when given the opportunity.
Mumbai’s campaign in the Vijay Hazare Trophy begins on December 24 against Sikkim, followed by matches against Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Goa, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh. All seven group stage fixtures will be played at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium, a venue known for its seamer-friendly pitches that should test the adaptability of all participants.
The 38-year-old opener has been training at Mumbai’s Sharad Pawar Indoor Academy to maintain his fitness and technical sharpness. His proactive approach to domestic participation serves as a leadership benchmark for younger cricketers, demonstrating that even the most accomplished players must continuously prove themselves through competitive action.
Rohit had also expressed willingness to play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s domestic T20 tournament that began on November 26, though his participation depended on international commitments. Earlier in 2025, he returned to Ranji Trophy action for Mumbai after a decade-long absence, scoring just six runs but generating massive crowd enthusiasm and media attention.
Recent ODI Performances: Proving Their Class
Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma displayed initial rustiness upon their return to international cricket during India’s ODI series against Australia in October 2025, marking their first appearances in seven months following the Champions Trophy triumph. However, they quickly rediscovered their rhythm and demonstrated why they remain indispensable to India’s ODI setup.
Rohit Sharma scored 8, 73, and an unbeaten 121 across the three matches, with his century in Sydney particularly memorable. Despite India losing the series 2-1, Rohit’s 202 runs earned him the Player of the Series award and crowned him as the world’s number one ODI batsman for the first time in his 18-year international career.
Virat Kohli endured two consecutive ducks in Perth and Adelaide before exploding with an unbeaten 74 in Sydney, where he combined with Rohit for an unbeaten 168-run partnership that secured India’s consolation victory. The partnership showcased the chemistry and understanding developed over years of batting together for India.
In the ongoing series against South Africa, both veterans have continued their strong form. Kohli’s 135-run masterclass in the series opener at Ranchi demonstrated his sustained excellence, with the innings studded with aggressive strokeplay and intelligent shot selection. The performance reinforced his status as India’s most reliable ODI batsman and silenced questions about his ability to deliver after long breaks.
The Domestic Cricket Imperative
The BCCI’s mandate for domestic participation serves multiple purposes beyond simply keeping players match-fit. It elevates the standard of domestic competitions by attracting larger crowds and media attention, provides younger players invaluable experience of competing alongside and against Indian cricket’s biggest stars, and ensures that national team selections are based on current form rather than past reputation.
For single-format players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, domestic cricket becomes even more critical. With only a handful of ODI series scheduled each year, participating in the Vijay Hazare Trophy provides crucial competitive action that maintains batting rhythm, tests skills against quality domestic bowlers, and keeps reflexes sharp for high-pressure situations.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized that this expectation applies to all available players regardless of their achievements. The message is clear: to represent India, every player must first represent their state when not occupied with international duties. This policy ensures accountability and prevents complacency among established players while inspiring younger cricketers to earn their opportunities through domestic performances.
Impact on Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
The confirmed participation of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will transform the Vijay Hazare Trophy into one of the most anticipated domestic tournaments in recent memory. Delhi’s opening match against Andhra Pradesh on December 24, which would typically be a routine domestic fixture, is now expected to draw significantly larger crowds eager to watch Kohli in action.
Similarly, Mumbai’s fixtures throughout the group stage will attract unprecedented attention, with cricket fans and media outlets focusing intensely on Rohit Sharma’s performances. The presence of both legends provides younger domestic players with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the field with two of India’s greatest batsmen and learn from their approach, work ethic, and match temperament.
Delhi’s squad, captained by Ayush Badoni, includes promising talents like Yash Dhull and others who will benefit enormously from batting alongside Kohli and observing his preparation routines. For Mumbai, playing under Rohit’s leadership offers similar developmental opportunities for emerging cricketers hoping to break into the national setup.
The tournament also features other established international players returning to domestic duty, creating a competitive environment that mirrors the intensity of international cricket. This elevation in quality benefits Indian cricket’s overall ecosystem by raising standards and providing selectors with better data for future selection decisions.
The Road to 2027: Proving Fitness and Form
For Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy represents more than compliance with BCCI regulations. It serves as their audition for continued inclusion in India’s ODI plans leading up to the 2027 World Cup. Every innings, every training session, and every demonstration of fitness sends a message to selectors about their commitment and capability.
The pair faces unique challenges compared to their younger teammates. They must prove they can maintain elite performance levels despite approaching 40 years of age, demonstrate sustained fitness over extended periods without the regular competitive action that Test cricket previously provided, manage workload carefully to avoid injuries that could derail World Cup hopes, and continue delivering match-winning performances that justify their continued selection.
Their recent international performances suggest both remain capable of meeting these challenges. The centuries scored against quality opposition, the ability to construct long innings under pressure, and the leadership they provide in the dressing room make compelling cases for their inclusion in India’s 2027 World Cup plans.
However, the BCCI’s non-committal stance on their World Cup participation reflects genuine uncertainty about whether both players can sustain their current levels for another two years. The domestic cricket mandate provides a framework for continuous evaluation, allowing selectors to monitor form and fitness while giving Rohit and Kohli opportunities to build their case through performances.
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FAQs
Why are Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy?
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy following the BCCI’s mandate that all centrally contracted players must participate in domestic cricket when not on national duty or injured. Since both have retired from Tests and T20Is to focus on ODIs, the board requires them to play domestic cricket to stay match-fit and maintain competitive rhythm between international assignments.
When was the last time Virat Kohli played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy?
Virat Kohli last played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy during the 2009-10 season, making his upcoming participation a return after 15 years. His previous appearance came in a match against Services where he scored 16 runs off eight balls while batting at number five. He last played 50-over cricket for Delhi in September 2013 during the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy.
What is the BCCI’s policy on domestic cricket participation?
The BCCI has made playing domestic cricket mandatory for all centrally contracted players when they are available and not on national duty. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has stated that whenever players are free, they should be playing domestic cricket as it’s the only way to keep sharp and match-ready, especially after long breaks from competitive action. This policy applies to all players regardless of seniority.
Are Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup?
The participation of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the 2027 ODI World Cup remains uncertain. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that both players are “non-committal” about the tournament, which will be held in South Africa. By that time, Rohit will be 40 years old and Kohli will be 39. The BCCI is not planning that far ahead and wants both players to prove their fitness and form through domestic cricket participation.
When does the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 begin?
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 begins on December 24, 2025, and runs through January 18, 2026. Delhi will play their group stage matches in Bengaluru (five matches in Alur and two at M Chinnaswamy Stadium), while Mumbai will play all seven group stage fixtures at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium. The knockout phase will be held at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
