According to the Press Trust of India (PTI), head selector Ajit Agarkar suggested that India’s batting mainstays Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–2026 in order to remain eligible for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Following the announcement of the team for the forthcoming three-match ODI series in Australia, which begins on October 19, Agarkar stated that he anticipates both Rohit and Kohli playing in domestic competitions and keeping India A match-ready. The two seasoned players appear to have agreed with this prediction.
Both players’ most recent international performances was at the Champions Trophy (February–March), while they have not played competitive cricket since the IPL 2025. When the next World Cup comes along, Rohit will be 40 and Kohli will be 39.
A major change has already occurred, as Shubman Gill has assumed Rohit’s place as ODI captain, suggesting that the team management may be getting ready for a gradual transition even though the two have been named in India’s ODI squad for the Australia series.
December 24 is the start date of the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, which will run through January 18. India will host South Africa for a three-match ODI series from November 30 to December 6 following their tour of Australia.
From January 11 to 18, there are three more home ODI matches against New Zealand. However, there is enough time between them for both Rohit and Kohli to play in at least three or four Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Mumbai and Delhi, respectively.
On condition of anonymity, a BCCI source informed PTI that there was a five-week lag between the first ODI against New Zealand at Vadodara on January 11 and the final ODI against South Africa at Visakhapatnam on December 6.
December 24 is when the Vijay Hazare Trophy begins. Mumbai’s games are scheduled for six rounds (December 24, 26, 29, 31, January 3, 6, 8). It is anticipated that Rohit will participate in three rounds or more before joining the team. Likewise with Virat.
Both Rohit and Kohli can easily play up to five group-stage matches if they so choose before returning to the Indian team for the New Zealand series. That being said, neither is likely to do so.
Rohit’s final outing for Mumbai in the same format was in 2018, whereas Kohli’s final List A performance for Delhi was in 2010.
Despite their advanced age, both players have outstanding ODI records. Since 2023, Kohli has completed 34 innings with 1,710 runs at an average of 61.07 and a strike rate of 95.8, while Rohit has completed 37 innings with 1,714 runs at an average of 48.97 and a strike rate of 117.2.
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