In early 2025, the BCCI introduced a 10-point rule aimed at eliminating the “star culture” within the team and prioritizing domestic cricket.
Since then, there has been debate about whether the team’s senior stars, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, would play domestic tournaments like the rest of the players.
But now a top BCCI official has clarified that both veterans are returning to the domestic arena of their own free will.
According to him, “Nobody has forced them to return to the domestic circuit. Both Rohit and Kohli have made themselves available for the Vijay Hazare Trophy on their own accord.”
A major step towards domestic cricket
Last season, both returned to the Ranji Trophy, Rohit against Jammu and Kashmir and Virat against Railways.
After retiring from Test cricket, both are now playing only ODIs and appear more committed to domestic cricket than ever before.
According to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Rohit has already submitted his availability and may also play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has confirmed that Virat will be present. However, it remains to be seen how many matches they play.
According to a report, both Rohit and Kohli are playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy this time “of their own free will,” and there is no pressure of any kind.
Gill’s return to Team India confirmed, only fitness clearance pending
On the other hand, a major update has come for the India vs South Africa T20I series (starting December 9, Cuttack).
Shubman Gill has fully recovered and is ready to return to the team. The selection meeting took place in Raipur on Wednesday morning, and a top
BCCI official stated:
“Gill has recovered fully and has been included in the squad. He will be back as vice-captain subject to fitness.”
The 25-year-old Gill suffered a neck injury during the Test series, which ruled him out of the ODIs as well. However, his fitness report has now come back positive and the selection committee has recalled him.
