Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to return to domestic cricket for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, but the BCCI has now clarified that this decision was made by the players themselves and not under pressure from the board. BCCI denies forcing domestic cricket participation

A BCCI official has clarified that the board did not push or mandate Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to keep their ODI careers alive. Speaking to RevSportz, the official said both players decided on their own to participate in India’s premier domestic one-day tournament. When asked if the board nudged them in that direction, the official simply responded, “They have decided, it’s their decision”.

This statement comes after earlier reports in November suggested that the BCCI and team management had conveyed to both veterans that playing domestic cricket would be mandatory if they wanted to continue in the ODI setup. The board reportedly wanted them to stay match-fit through the domestic circuit after retiring from Tests and T20Is.

​ Kohli and Pant named in Delhi squad

Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant have been officially named in Delhi’s provisional squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, the Delhi and District Cricket Association announced on December 11. This will mark Kohli’s first appearance in the tournament in 15 years, having last played in February 2010 against Services. He also hasn’t represented Delhi in a List A match since the 2013 NKP Salve Challenger Trophy.

Kohli had confirmed his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy earlier this month after informing the DDCA. Pant, who was part of the ODI squad against South Africa but didn’t get game time, will also join the Delhi team.​

Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign

Delhi will begin their Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign on December 24 against Andhra Pradesh in Elite Group D. The match will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which is also the home venue of Kohli’s IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Delhi’s remaining five league games will take place at the Alur Cricket Ground on the outskirts of Bengaluru.​

With Kohli’s presence expected to draw huge crowds, this domestic fixture is likely to attract far more attention than a typical 50-over game. Fans will get a rare chance to see the former India captain in domestic action after such a long gap.

​ Rohit Sharma expected to play for Mumbai

Rohit Sharma has reportedly informed the Mumbai Cricket Association that he will be available for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Mumbai are also scheduled to begin their campaign on December 24. Rohit had earlier confirmed his participation a few weeks ago and has been training at the Sharad Pawar Indoor Academy in Mumbai.

​ Both stars in red-hot ODI form

The decision to play domestic cricket comes after both Rohit and Kohli have been in outstanding form in recent ODI series. Rohit scored 8, 73, and an unbeaten 121 in the three ODIs in Australia and was named Player of the Series. He continued that form at home against South Africa with scores of 57, 14, and 75.​

Kohli was even more dominant, scoring 302 runs in three matches against South Africa, including two centuries and one half-century. He was also named Player of the Series for his stellar performance. Head coach Gautam Gambhir praised both players after the series, saying their world-class experience is important in the dressing room and that he hopes they continue doing well in the 50-over format.