Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma follow BCCI’s mandate, will play VHT to keep ODI World Cup dream alive

Despite proving their mettle in ODI cricket, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Since their Test retirement in May, there have been growing concerns over the veteran batters keeping themselves match-fit.

BCCI’s plan for Rohit-Kohli

Rohit and Kohli showed rustiness to begin with in Australia but got back to form by the end of the ODI series Down Under. Then in Ranchi, both once again proved to be India’s best batters in the format. But the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remain unsure about their dream of playing the 2027 ODI World Cup. Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar had even labelled them as ‘non-committal’ for the ICC event.

It’s simple; the board isn’t planning so far ahead. Age isn’t on Rohit and Kohli’s side either. They’ll be 40 and 39, respectively, by the time the ODI World Cup begins in South Africa. That’s why BCCI wants them to play domestic cricket. Earlier in the year, the board had mandated playing domestic cricket for all centrally contracted players. Following this, Rohit played for Mumbai and Kohli for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy.

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Veterans ready to play domestic cricket

It was reported that Rohit was ready to play for Mumbai again, but Kohli didn’t want to make a domestic comeback. His comments about preparation being mental also hinted towards his desire to keep himself match-fit on his own rather than dancing to others’ whims.

“I’ve never been a believer in a lot of preparation. All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard, as long as my fitness levels are up, and then you visualise batting and feeling well; it’s good,” Kohli had said in Ranchi.

However, it turns out Kohli’s ready to play for Delhi again. Kohli has confirmed his availability to the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). Once the India vs South Africa ODI series ends on December 6, he’ll take about two weeks to rest as Delhi’s VHT campaign begins against Andhra on December 24 in Alur.

“Virat Kohli has confirmed his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy to us,” DDCA president Rohan Jaitley told IANS.

The post Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma follow BCCI’s mandate, will play VHT to keep ODI World Cup dream alive appeared first on Inside Sport India.