In a massive boost for domestic cricket, Indian batting icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are all set to feature in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, marking a rare appearance in India's premier 50-over competition.
Rohit Sharma has been named in the Mumbai squad and will be available for the team's first two matches, as confirmed by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). The former India captain will join the side led by Shardul Thakur in Jaipur, where Mumbai are placed in Elite Group C.
Similarly, Virat Kohli has confirmed his availability for Delhi's opening fixtures. The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has included the star batter in their squad for the initial rounds, with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant appointed as captain
and Ayush Badoni as vice-captain. Delhi's matches will be played in Bengaluru.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 kicks off on December 24, with the league stage running until January 8, 2026, followed by knockouts culminating in the final on January 18.
Both Rohit and Kohli, who now focus solely on ODI cricket for India following their retirements from Tests and T20Is, are using the tournament as crucial match practice ahead of the home ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11, 2026.
Their participation aligns with the BCCI's emphasis on centrally contracted players featuring in domestic tournaments when not on national duty. Several other India internationals, including Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh, and Sanju Samson, are also expected to turn out for their states, promising a high-profile edition of the tournament.
How much Money will Virat, Rohit earn in Vijay Hazare Trophy?
Vijay Hazare Trophy players receive per-match fees based on their prior List A experience levels. Payments are structured as INR 60,000 for those with 41+ List A matches, INR 50,000 for 21-40 matches, and INR 40,000 for 0-20 matches; reserves earn half these amounts.
As Virat Kohli has played way more than 40 matches, he will receive Rs 60,000 per game. The Delhi player is expected to feature in three matches, hence he can earn as much as Rs 1.80 lakh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
For Rohit Sharma, the per-match fee remains the same as Kohli. The former India captain may play two matches for Mumbai, hence he can earn Rs 1.20 lakh in the competition.
