India’s star batter and former captain Rohit Sharma has confirmed his availability for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, following the BCCI’s recent directive mandating that senior players must participate in domestic tournaments to remain eligible for national selection.
According to The Indian Express, Rohit has officially informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) about his participation in the team’s campaign, which kicks off on December 24. This tournament falls within the only available domestic one-day window between India’s home ODI series against South Africa (December 3–9) and New Zealand (starting January 11).
Virat Kohli’s Status Still Unclear
While Rohit has confirmed his domestic return, Virat Kohli’s availability remains uncertain. Sources suggest that the 37-year-old, currently residing in London, has not yet communicated his plans to the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA).
Both Rohit and Kohli have retired from Tests and T20 Internationals, choosing to focus solely on ODIs. However, the BCCI and team management have made it clear that even top players must “go through the domestic grind” to stay match-fit and eligible for the national team.
“The board and team management have conveyed to both of them that they will have to play domestic cricket if they want to continue representing India. As they’ve retired from two formats, it’s important for them to maintain match fitness through domestic games,”
— a BCCI official told The Indian Express.
Rohit’s Domestic Comeback and Training
Rohit, who last represented Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy earlier this year after nearly a decade, is also considering taking part in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, beginning November 26. The 38-year-old has been seen training at Sharad Pawar Indoor Academy in Mumbai to prepare for the domestic season.
Recently, Rohit impressed in the Australia ODI series, scoring a half-century and a century in the last two matches, earning the Player of the Series title. Kohli, meanwhile, struggled early on but finished the series with a resilient fifty.
BCCI’s Firm Stand on Domestic Participation
National selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar reaffirmed the board’s stance that playing domestic cricket is mandatory for players not involved in international matches.
“We’ve been clear for a while that whenever players are available, they must play domestic cricket. That’s how they stay sharp and in rhythm, especially during long breaks,”
Agarkar stated recently.
With Rohit Sharma leading by example, all eyes are now on Virat Kohli’s next move, as his decision could shape how senior Indian cricketers balance national duty and domestic commitments in the years ahead.