Questions have arisen regarding the international careers of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Recent reports suggest the two senior Indian cricketers’ ODI careers might conclude after October. If they want to be considered for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier domestic 50-over competition, may be crucial, as per the reports.
A recent update from PTI suggests the BCCI is prioritizing Kohli and Rohit’s availability for India A games over the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Their involvement in the Vijay Hazare championship seems unlikely because of clashes with India’s international schedule.
A BCCI source, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that even if they participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, they would have already played six ODIs. The India A series against South Africa A, including three List A (50-over) games in Rajkot on November 13, 16, and 19, is scheduled between the Australia and South Africa ODI series.
Both Rohit and Kohli have reduced their international commitments. Following their T20 World Cup win, they retired from T20Is. They also retired from Tests this year, leaving ODIs as their sole format in international cricket.
The source added that the main question is whether the pair will play the India A games before the South Africa series. An important aspect is the perspective of Ajit Agarkar and his team.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy overlaps with the three ODIs between India and New Zealand (January 11, 14, 18). So, even if they play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, it may be limited to only a few games.
India’s next ODI series is against Australia from October 19 to 25. Some within the BCCI want Kohli and Rohit to play a few India A games before the Australia series to hone their match fitness. These games are planned for Kanpur on September 30, October 3, and October 5 and will run parallel to India’s Test series against the West Indies in Ahmedabad.
The Australia A team, including players like Jake Fraser-McGurk, will be touring India.
Dainik Jagran reported that the experienced batsmen must stay involved in domestic cricket to remain in the selectors’ plans. They are already scheduled to play six ODIs – three each against Australia and South Africa before the Vijay Hazare Trophy, beginning on December 24. Additionally, the India’s ongoing ODI tour of New Zealand in January is likely to coincide with the domestic List A competition, making their availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy more challenging.