As the action now shifts towards the multi-format series against South Africa at home comprising of two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of veteran cricketers in Rohit
Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, the two recently appeared in the three-match ODI series against Australia down under, playing for the first time in the national colours following India’s Champions Trophy victory. Fans are now waiting for their return in front of the home crowd.
However, both are expected to feature in the three-match ODI series against South Africa, which starts from November 30, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put intentions clear for both in order to prolong their career until the ODI World Cup, set to be played sometime in October-November 27. The BCCI has sent out a clear mandate, which ensures them to play domestic cricket tournaments.
Recently, a BCCI source close to the developments informed, as quoted by Indian Express, “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.”
Rohit Sharma confirms to play domestic for Mumbai; Virat Kohli yet to inform DDCA
While this comes after being informed of match fitness and game time along with with limited ODI matches available. As of now, the Vijay Hazare Trophy is scheduled to begin from December 24 and proves to be a key platform seeing the next ODI series, set to be played against New Zealand in January 2026 at home.
Amidst this, several news channels have informed that former India skipper Rohit Sharma have informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) of his availability for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy and has also expressed willingness to participate in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), which starts November 26. But seeing the ODI leg start from November 30, he is unlikely to be available for SMAT.
On the other hand, there is no information around Virat Kohli’s participation as he is yet to inform the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) of the same. Notably, Kohli last appeared in the Vijay Hazare Trophy back in February 2010, when he captained Delhi against Services.
