BCCI Tells Kohli & Sharma: Play Domestic Cricket – Report
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated to veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma that if they wish to remain in contention for India’s one-day international (ODI) squad, they must feature in the forthcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy domestic tournament. Both players have retired from Tests and T20 internationals but continue to play in the 50-over format. The board and team management believe involvement in the domestic one-day competition will help them retain match fitness and stay aligned with selection requirements.
Participation Status and Match Fitness
Rohit Sharma has reportedly confirmed his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting December 24. Kohli’s participation remains unclear. Sources within the board indicate that the directive is aimed at ensuring that the two senior players remain active and competitive ahead of India’s upcoming home ODI series against South Africa national cricket team in December and the visit by New Zealand national cricket team in January. Failure to comply could impact their selection prospects.
Significance and Broader Implications
The mandate underscores the board’s emphasis on domestic cricket as a pathway for international selection, even for established players. It also signals that including senior stars cannot rely solely on past achievements; sustained performance and match readiness matter. For Kohli and Sharma, both legends of Indian cricket, this could mean adjusting their schedules and workloads to accommodate state-level commitments. For selectors and team management, the development adds an extra layer to balancing experience with form and fitness.
