Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma must play domestic cricket: BCCI's clear message ends special treatment era

The days of automatic selection based on reputation alone appear to be over for India's two biggest stars. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar has made it abundantly clear that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will no longer receive special exemptions from playing domestic cricket, signaling a significant shift in how the board manages its veteran players.

The new mandate: no exceptions

Speaking at a press conference during the squad announcement for the Australia tour, Agarkar laid down the law in unmistakable terms when asked whether Kohli and Rohit need to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy to remain in selection contention.

"We've made it clear that whenever the players are available, they should be playing domestic cricket."

This statement represents a departure from past practice, where India's biggest stars were routinely exempted from domestic duties given their heavy international workload. The message is simple: if you're not playing international cricket, you should be playing domestic cricket to stay sharp and prove your form.

The context behind the directive

The BCCI's stance stems from a 10-point diktat issued in January 2025 following India's Test series loss to Australia. One key provision mandated that domestic cricket participation becomes compulsory for all players when they are available—with no exceptions for reputation or past achievements.

This policy aims to ensure that players, regardless of stature, maintain match fitness and form through competitive cricket rather than relying solely on practice sessions. It also promotes a level playing field where selection is based on current performance rather than past glory.

Why Vijay Hazare Trophy matters

The Vijay Hazare Trophy is India's premier 50-over domestic tournament, making it the most relevant competition for players focused solely on ODI cricket—exactly where Kohli and Rohit now find themselves after retiring from Tests and T20Is.

For context:

• Virat Kohli last played a List A domestic match in 2010 (15 years ago)

• Rohit Sharma's last domestic List A appearance was in 2018 (7 years ago)

These lengthy gaps highlight why the BCCI is emphasizing domestic cricket now. With both veterans restricted to ODIs and limited international matches in that format, domestic tournaments become crucial for maintaining rhythm, form, and match fitness.

The selection on merit principle

Agarkar's comments went beyond just domestic cricket participation. He hinted strongly that future selection of both Rohit and Kohli will be strictly merit-based, with no guarantees.

"They are playing one format and we have picked them for the matches against Australia. I don't think we need to discuss the 2027 World Cup at the moment. You can't think beyond the Australia series, as the team has been picked for the tour. They will have to score runs like they have been doing all these years."

This measured response avoided any long-term commitments, keeping both players' futures uncertain beyond the immediate Australia tour.

The fitness factor

While both Kohli and Rohit have cleared all required fitness tests for the Australia series, Agarkar acknowledged the unusual nature of their current situation.

"Those are two really experienced guys who have been around for a long time. They will find it really weird to play just one format. You should ask them. It doesn't happen too many times."

The chief selector's comments underscore a fundamental challenge: maintaining peak fitness and form when playing only one format with significant gaps between series. International ODI cricket is now played so infrequently that players can go months without competitive matches—precisely the scenario that makes domestic cricket participation essential.

The 2027 World Cup equation

The broader context for these decisions is India's preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. With approximately 20 ODIs scheduled between now and then, the BCCI wants to build a team around younger players who will be in their prime during the tournament.

At 36 and 38 years old respectively, Kohli and Rohit face questions about whether they'll be at their best in 2027—or even whether they'll still be playing. The board's emphasis on domestic cricket serves multiple purposes:

• Keeps players match-ready between international assignments

• Provides selectors with objective performance data

• Tests hunger and commitment levels

• Identifies younger alternatives who might offer better long-term options

The leadership change adds pressure

Rohit's removal as ODI captain and replacement by Shubman Gill creates additional complexity. Now 38, Rohit transitions from captain to specialist batter under a 26-year-old leader—a dynamic that requires adjustment on multiple levels.

For both veterans, playing under a much younger captain while also being asked to prove themselves in domestic cricket represents a significant shift in their careers. They've gone from being automatic selections and central figures in team planning to players who must justify their positions match by match.

What the experts say

Reports suggest that internal BCCI discussions about Kohli and Rohit's futures were extensive and sometimes divided. According to a Times of India report, the eventual consensus was:

"If we keep dragging things, it will only get complicated. And with two players, one 38 (Rohit) and other 36 (Kohli), you can't place the early bets. Yes, even the younger ones could lose form and fitness but it's the safer bet."

This pragmatic approach prioritizes long-term planning over sentiment, even for players of Kohli and Rohit's stature.

The immediate challenge

Both veterans will need to perform on the Australia tour (October 19-25) to strengthen their cases for future selection. Poor performances could accelerate questions about their ODI futures, while strong showings might buy them more time.

Beyond the Australia series, if they want to remain in contention, participating in the Vijay Hazare Trophy during gaps in the international calendar appears non-negotiable. The tournament typically takes place in December-January, making it perfectly positioned for players wanting to stay sharp between ODI assignments.

Historical perspective

The BCCI's stance marks a significant departure from past practices where senior players routinely skipped domestic cricket. This special treatment was justified by their heavy international schedules and the belief that rest was more valuable than domestic matches.

However, with Kohli and Rohit now playing only ODIs—the least-scheduled format—that rationale no longer holds. The board's message is clear: fewer international matches mean more responsibility to maintain form through domestic cricket.

What it means for Indian cricket

This policy shift could have broader implications:

For current stars: The precedent set with Kohli and Rohit applies to all players. No one will be too big for domestic cricket.

For younger players: A level playing field where everyone must earn their spot through performance rather than reputation.

For domestic cricket: The presence of superstars will boost interest, attendance, and the competitive level of tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

For succession planning: Clear pathways for younger players to break into the side by consistently performing in domestic cricket.

The countdown begins

With the Australia ODI series starting October 19, both Kohli and Rohit have their first test under the new regime. Strong performances could temporarily quiet doubts about their futures, while struggles might accelerate the transition to younger players.

Beyond that series, the next Vijay Hazare Trophy in December-January will be telling. Will India's two biggest stars actually turn up for their state teams? Their participation—or lack thereof—will reveal how seriously they take the BCCI's directive and how much they want to continue their ODI careers.

The era of automatic selection and special treatment has ended. For Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the message is unmistakable: prove your worth through performance, stay sharp through domestic cricket, and your place in the team will be earned, not gifted.