Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli to Play Vijay Hazare Trophy; BCCI Confirms Decision Was Theirs

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy , India’s premier one-day domestic competition and the BCCI has now made it clear that the decision was entirely theirs. The move comes as both senior batters look to stay in top rhythm in ODI cricket , reinforcing their commitment to the 50-over format and India’s domestic cricket structure.
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Amid speculation that the BCCI had instructed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to extend their ODI careers, the board firmly denied the reports. A BCCI official emphasised that featuring in domestic cricket was a choice made by the players themselves.

When asked if the board had nudged the star batters, the BCCI official responded, “They have decided, it’s their decision.” This clarification reinforces that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli opted for the Vijay Hazare Trophy on their own, aiming to stay competitive in India’s ODI cricket calendar.


Rohit Sharma had already confirmed his availability for the white-ball tournament earlier, and Virat Kohli has also reportedly agreed to play. Their presence will bring massive attention to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which remains a crucial breeding ground for talent in India’s domestic cricket ecosystem.

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli want to maintain their stellar form in ODI cricket, and the Vijay Hazare Trophy offers them the perfect platform to stay sharp. This decision also signals their continued hunger to contribute to India cricket at the highest level.


A twist came when the BCCI publicly denied mandating their participation. The clarification, highlighted in a RevSportz report, directly addressed the rumours surrounding the involvement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in domestic cricket.

The report quoted a BCCI official who aimed to clear the air and show that the board did not influence the two senior players’ decision to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This transparency aligns with the board’s broader strategy for India cricket.

For some time, the BCCI, especially selection chief Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir, has encouraged players including senior names like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to participate in domestic cricket whenever possible. This push has been consistent as India seeks to strengthen its domestic cricket pathway.

This isn’t the first time the two superstars have responded to this call. Earlier, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also played the Ranji Trophy after returning from a disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour Down Under, showing their willingness to support India’s domestic cricket structure.


In ODI cricket, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been the backbone of India’s batting lineup for years. Their performances continue to be crucial for India cricket, especially as the team looks to build towards future tournaments.

Coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged their importance, expressing confidence that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will keep delivering in the ODI format. While he avoided commenting on the 2027 ODI World Cup squad, he highlighted how invaluable their experience is in the Indian dressing room.

“They are world-class players, and their experience is important in the dressing room,” Gambhir said, emphasising that the duo has been performing at the highest level for a long time. He added, “Hopefully, they continue doing the same it’s going to be important in the 50-over format.”

These remarks came after India’s 2-1 ODI series win against South Africa, where the contributions of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli once again highlighted their importance in India’s ODI cricket setup.

Their participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy also helps them maintain their competitive edge and stay in sync with the pace and demands of one-day cricket. For domestic players, sharing the field with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is an invaluable learning opportunity.


The BCCI’s clarification reinforces that players have autonomy in making career decisions. While the board encourages participation in domestic cricket, the final call lies with the cricketers a balance that is essential for player welfare and India’s cricketing ecosystem.

With the focus firmly on current form and ODI relevance, performances of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be watched closely by selectors, experts, and fans alike.

The RevSportz report played a key role in addressing the speculation, paving the way for the BCCI’s official stance to be communicated clearly to the India cricket community.

As discussions continue around the future of senior players in limited-overs cricket, the immediate goal remains their performance in the present. The Vijay Hazare Trophy is a crucial platform not just for young hopefuls, but now also for legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Their presence elevates the tournament, offers stiff competition, and strengthens India’s domestic cricket culture. It reflects the BCCI’s balanced approach to senior players encouraging, but not imposing.


Ultimately, the decision by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy speaks volumes about their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to India cricket. It shows their determination to stay relevant, competitive, and connected to the domestic game.