Rohit Sharma Confirms Domestic Return After BCCI Directive, Virat Kohli Yet to Respond

Both veterans have retired from Tests and T20Is to focus on ODIs, but the BCCI has made it clear that senior players must participate in the domestic grind to maintain their form and fitness. File Photo

After the BCCI directed senior players to participate in domestic tournaments to stay eligible for India selection, Rohit Sharma has confirmed his return for “Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign”, while “Virat Kohli’s response is yet to come.

According to The Indian Express, Rohit has informed the “Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA)” that he will participate in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy starting from “December 24”, the only domestic one-day window between India’s ODI series against “South Africa (Dec 3–9)” and “New Zealand (Jan 11 onwards)”.

Kohli, currently based out of London, is yet to confirm his participation with the “Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA)”. Both veterans have retired from Tests and T20Is to focus on ODIs, but the BCCI has made it clear that senior players must participate in the domestic grind to maintain their form and fitness.

“The board and team management have told both Rohit and Kohli that they need to play domestic cricket if they wish to represent India,” a BCCI official told “The Indian Express”.

Rohit, who last played for Mumbai in the “Ranji Trophy” earlier this year, is also considering playing in the ”Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy” commencing “November 26”. He has been training at the “Sharad Pawar Indoor Academy” in Mumbai to prepare for the domestic season.

Chief selector “Ajit Agarkar” reaffirmed the board’s stance and said:

“Whenever players are available, they should play domestic cricket. That is the only way to stay sharp.”

Agarkar added that while neither Rohit nor Kohli is “on trial”, selectors will track their performances as part of the 2027 ODI World Cup roadmap.

With Rohit confirming participation, cricket fans are now waiting for Kohli’s response. His response will likely determine how firmly the BCCI enforces its “domestic-first policy” for senior players.