By: The Trek News Desk
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sent a clear message to senior cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: if they wish to continue representing India in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), they must return to domestic cricket.
Both stalwarts have retired from Tests and T20 Internationals but remain active in the ODI setup. The board believes that participating in domestic tournaments will help them maintain match fitness and rhythm during international breaks.
Possible Comeback via Vijay Hazare Trophy
According to sources, this new directive is expected to take effect during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which begins on December 24. The domestic 50-over tournament conveniently fits between India’s ODI series against South Africa (December 3–9) and New Zealand (starting January 11).
Rohit Sharma has reportedly informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) that he will be available for selection in the tournament. Meanwhile, there’s still uncertainty over Virat Kohli’s participation, as the former India captain has been spending most of his time in London recently.
BCCI Takes a Firm Stand
A senior BCCI official told the media, “We have made it clear to both players that since they have retired from two formats, they need to play domestic cricket to stay ready and remain in contention for national selection.”
Selection Committee Chairman Ajit Agarkar has also reiterated the same stance in recent interviews, emphasising that whenever senior players are available, they should participate in domestic competitions to stay sharp.
Past Appearances and Current Scenario
Last season, both Rohit and Kohli made rare appearances in the Ranji Trophy, marking their return to the domestic circuit after long gaps of 10 years for Rohit (Mumbai) and 12 years for Kohli (Delhi).
At the time, Rohit had explained that the packed international calendar left little room for domestic participation. However, with fewer formats to manage now, both players are expected to prioritise domestic games.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 World Cup
Agarkar clarified that neither player is “on trial,” but the team’s future planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup will depend on performance and fitness over time.
“Both Rohit and Virat have achieved everything there is in Indian cricket. But the World Cup is still two years away, we’ll assess how the team evolves before making decisions,” Agarkar said.
Preparation and Training
Rohit Sharma has been training at the Sharad Pawar Indoor Academy in Mumbai and may also feature in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy starting later this month.
The board, meanwhile, hopes that Virat Kohli will also make himself available for domestic action soon, ensuring both icons remain match-fit and ready for the upcoming ODI season.
Source: News Agencies
