India’s seasoned stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to feature in at least three, possibly four, Vijay Hazare Trophy matches before the New Zealand ODI series in January 2025, provided they remain committed to their goal of playing in the 2027 World Cup. Both veterans are also set to mark their international return in the three-match ODI series against Australia, beginning October 19.
Between the end of the South Africa ODIs (November 30–December 6) and the start of the New Zealand series (January 11–18), there will be six rounds of Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. With Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, emphasising that every centrally contracted player must participate in domestic cricket when fit, the spotlight is on India’s most experienced pair to lead by example.
According to a BCCI source, the selectors are keen for Rohit (Mumbai) and Kohli (Delhi) to represent their respective state sides.
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The source added, “Between the last ODI against South Africa on December 6 in Visakhapatnam and the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11 in Vadodara, there’s a five-week gap. Mumbai have six matches scheduled on December 24, 26, 29, 31, and January 3, 6, and 8. Rohit will likely play at least three rounds before joining the national camp, and the same goes for Virat.”
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli likely to play in Vijay Hazare Trophy to keep 2027 World Cup hopes alive – Report
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The move isn’t merely about match practice—it’s a statement of intent. With limited 50-over cricket in India’s domestic calendar, the Vijay Hazare Trophy becomes an ideal platform for both legends to regain rhythm and fine-tune their white-ball form ahead of another crucial year of international fixtures.
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Even Ravichandran Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that both Rohit and Kohli should use the domestic circuit to stay sharp. “If you need their services, you have to find a way. They could have played the India ‘A’ series since there isn’t much 50-over cricket happening. If not that, then the Vijay Hazare Trophy is the perfect opportunity to assess their form,” Ashwin remarked.
