Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are likely to feature in three or four matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Senior India batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have responded to chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s warning, taking the first step to stay in the race for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Reports say both are likely to play in three or four Vijay Hazare Trophy matches ahead of India’s home ODI series against New Zealand in January.
Agarkar said that whenever players are available, they should play domestic cricket to stay sharp. He added that whether it’s possible alongside their international schedule will depend on timing, but if they’re free, participating in domestic matches is the way to keep their game in form.
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According to media reports, Kohli and Rohit seem to have taken Agarkar’s advice and are expected to play at least three matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, starting on December 24. After India’s home ODI series against South Africa and the upcoming series against New Zealand, Delhi and Mumbai will have at least six rounds of matches in the tournament. The selection committee, led by Agarkar, expects both stars to be available for the games.
There is a five-week gap between India’s last ODI against South Africa on December 6 in Visakhapatnam and the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11 in Vadodara.
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The Vijay Hazare Trophy begins on December 24, with six rounds of matches for Mumbai (Dec 24, 26, 29, 31, Jan 3, 6, 8). According to a BCCI source speaking to PTI on condition of anonymity, Rohit and Virat are expected to play at least three games each before joining the national squad.
Kohli last played in a domestic List A match in 2010 for Delhi, scoring 16 runs at No. 5 against the Services. Rohit, who stepped down as ODI captain, last featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2018, scoring 24 runs in Mumbai’s semi-final against Hyderabad.