Rohit Sharma Agrees to Play Domestic Cricket After BCCI Directive, Virat Kohli Yet to Respond: Report
Following BCCI’s directive for senior players to feature in domestic tournaments, Rohit Sharma commits to Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare campaign while Virat Kohli remains non-committal.
India, Nov 12 : Former India captain Rohit Sharma has confirmed his availability for Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign, complying with the BCCI’s directive that senior players must participate in domestic tournaments to stay in contention for India’s ODI squad and the 2027 World Cup.
According to The Indian Express, Rohit has informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) about his participation in the 50-over tournament, which begins on December 24 the only domestic one-day window between India’s ODI series against South Africa (Dec 3–9) and New Zealand (Jan 11 onwards).
However, there remains uncertainty over Virat Kohli’s availability, with reports suggesting the 37 year old, currently based in London, has yet to communicate his plans to the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA).
Both Rohit and Kohli have retired from Tests and T20Is, focusing exclusively on ODIs. However, the BCCI and team management have made it clear that even established players must “go through the domestic grind” to maintain match fitness and form.
“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,” a senior BCCI official told The Indian Express. “Since they have retired from two formats, they must play domestic cricket to remain match-fit.”
Rohit last represented Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy earlier this year, marking a return after nearly a decade. He is also reportedly considering featuring in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, beginning November 26, as part of his domestic comeback. The 38-year-old has been training at Sharad Pawar Indoor Academy in Mumbai to prepare for the season.
National selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar reaffirmed the BCCI’s stance on domestic participation.
“We made it clear a couple of years ago that whenever players are available, they should play domestic cricket,” Agarkar said. “That’s the only way to stay sharp and competitive.”
Agarkar also clarified that while neither Rohit nor Kohli is under trial, selectors will continue monitoring players’ form and fitness through domestic tournaments.
“They’ve achieved everything runs, trophies, leadership. But 2027 is a long way away. Once they start playing, we’ll assess as things progress,” he added.
Earlier reports suggested both stars were expected to feature in at least three to four Vijay Hazare matches before India’s ODI series against New Zealand in January. Both Mumbai and Delhi are scheduled to play six rounds of matches during this period, offering ample opportunities for the duo to regain match rhythm.
With Rohit confirming his participation, all eyes are now on Virat Kohli, whose response could determine the BCCI’s stance on compliance with its “domestic first” policy for senior players.
