Following Virat Kohli's confirmation, Rohit Sharma has also announced his availability for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, signaling a significant boost for the domestic tournament. Both veteran batsmen are set to participate in the early stages of the competition, representing their respective state teams, Mumbai and Delhi.

Sharma will be available for Mumbai's first two matches. According to MCA secretary Dr. Unmesh Khanvilkar, Sharma will join the Mumbai team on December 23 in Jaipur. Mumbai is scheduled to play against Sikkim on December 24 and Uttarakhand on December 26 in Jaipur.

Kohli will play for Delhi, marking his return to the domestic 50-over format after a long absence. Rishabh Pant will captain the Delhi side, which also includes Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it mandatory for all centrally contracted players to participate in at least two matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, unless they are injured or undergoing rehabilitation. This directive aims to ensure that national team players remain in touch with domestic cricket and provide a platform for them to mentor and compete alongside emerging talent.

The Vijay Hazare Trophy is scheduled to begin on December 24, 2025, with the group stage running until January 8, 2026. Mumbai is placed in Elite Group C and will play their matches in Jaipur. Delhi is in Group D, with their first match against Andhra in Bengaluru.

While Rohit Sharma will feature in Mumbai's first two games, key players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shivam Dube will not be part of the squad. Jaiswal is recovering from acute gastroenteritis, while the selectors are keen on providing opportunities to younger players. Shardul Thakur will lead the Mumbai team. The Delhi squad also includes Ayush Badoni as vice-captain, along with experienced players like Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini. Fast bowler Harshit Rana will join the squad when available.

The inclusion of Sharma and Kohli is expected to generate significant interest in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and boost the morale of the domestic players. Their participation provides a valuable opportunity for young cricketers to learn from their experience and showcase their talent on a competitive platform. With the ODI series against New Zealand starting on January 11, the Vijay Hazare Trophy serves as crucial preparation for these star players.