In a significant development, veteran cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have reportedly agreed to participate in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. This decision comes after a clear message from chief selector Ajit Agarkar, emphasizing the importance of domestic cricket for all centrally contracted players.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, the selectors are keen to assess the form and fitness of senior players like Kohli and Sharma in the 50-over format. Opportunities to play ODIs are limited in the coming months, making the Vijay Hazare Trophy a crucial platform for these players to stay in touch with the game.
According to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), both Kohli and Sharma are expected to play at least three matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for their respective domestic teams, Delhi and Mumbai. Mumbai is scheduled to play six matches between December 24 and January 8. The Vijay Hazare Trophy starts on December 24. Following India's final ODI against South Africa on December 6 in Visakhapatnam, there is a five-week gap before the New Zealand series commences on January 11 in Vadodara. This window allows ample time for the two experienced batsmen to participate in the domestic tournament.
This decision marks a shift in the approach of Kohli and Sharma, who have historically prioritized international commitments. Their participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy sends a strong message to younger players about the importance of domestic cricket and reinforces a culture of accountability. It also indicates their commitment to the ODI format and their aspirations to be part of the 2027 World Cup squad.
Agarkar's stance is clear: any fit and available player with a central contract must participate in domestic cricket to remain in contention for national selection. This directive directly impacts Kohli and Sharma, especially given their limited international appearances outside of major tournaments.
Kohli last played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2010, while Sharma's last appearance was in 2018. Their return to the domestic circuit after such a long gap will be closely monitored by fans and selectors alike. Their performances in the tournament could significantly influence their standing in India's ODI plans moving forward.
The national selectors will be paying close attention to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, using it as an opportunity to identify and groom players for the future. The performance of Kohli and Sharma will be a key factor in determining their roles in the team's future strategy, particularly with the World Cup in mind.
