Big news just dropped about India’s senior cricketers playing domestic tournaments. Rohit Sharma confirmed he’ll play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. But Virat Kohli’s participation remains unclear right now. BCCI has made domestic cricket mandatory for ODI selection going forward.
BCCI’s New Strict Selection Policy
The board has laid down some tough rules recently. Players must prove their match fitness through domestic leagues now. Nobody gets a free pass into the ODI team anymore.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both retired from Tests and T20s already. They’ve been playing only ODI cricket for India lately. But BCCI wants them grinding it out in domestic matches. That’s the only way they’ll stay in ODI calculations.
This policy affects even the biggest names in Indian cricket. The 2027 ODI World Cup will happen in South Africa next. Both seniors desperately want to play that tournament obviously. Playing domestic cricket becomes non-negotiable for them now.
Rohit Sharma’s Preparation for Vijay Hazare Trophy
Rohit Sharma has been training hard at Mumbai’s Sharad Pawar Indoor Academy. He’s getting ready for the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting December 24. Mumbai needs their star back for this important tournament.
He will play the South Africa ODI series in November. Rohit Sharma won Player of the Series against Australia before that. He even smashed his 50th century in the third ODI. His form looks solid heading into domestic cricket now.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy comes after India plays South Africa. Then there’s another series against New Zealand starting January 11. Rohit Sharma plans to feature in the domestic tournament between these series.
Question Marks Over Virat Kohli’s Availability
Nobody knows if Virat Kohli will play the Vijay Hazare Trophy yet. BCCI officials have encouraged him to return for domestic matches. But he hasn’t confirmed anything so far.
Virat Kohli needs match practice just like Rohit Sharma does currently. The new policy applies equally to both senior players. His decision will come soon before the tournament begins.
Both legends want that 2027 World Cup spot desperately right now. Playing domestic cricket isn’t optional anymore for anyone.
