The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a firm directive to two of its most senior players, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, requiring them to actively participate in domestic cricket tournaments in order to maintain match readiness for One Day Internationals (ODIs) and ensure ongoing selection for the national team. This move comes as both players have retired from Test and T20 formats and now focus solely on India’s 50-over squad. With India’s international cricket calendar heavily weighted toward T20 cricket and limited ODI fixtures scheduled ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, the board views domestic cricket as an essential platform for sustaining competitive form.
Rohit Sharma has already informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) of his availability for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier domestic one-day competition slated between major ODI series. However, Virat Kohli has yet to confirm his participation for Delhi in the tournament. Sources from within the BCCI have conveyed clearly that for both players to continue representing India in ODI cricket, they must participate regularly in domestic tournaments to uphold their fitness and match acuity.
The directive aligns closely with the sentiments of the national selection committee, which has consistently emphasized the importance of domestic cricket to maintain high performance levels. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar recently reiterated that whenever players are available between international commitments, participating in domestic competitions is key to keeping sharpness and competitive rhythm. This stance is part of a broader strategy to integrate experience with ongoing game preparedness as India grooms players for future global tournaments.
Both Sharma and Kohli appeared briefly in red-ball domestic cricket last season, with Rohit playing Ranji Trophy for Mumbai after a decade-long absence and Kohli turning out for Delhi following a 12-year hiatus. These rare appearances underscored the increasing need for match practice as they manage their workloads and recovery amid an increasingly demanding international cricket schedule.
Rohit Sharma has demonstrated strong dedication by signaling his willingness to also participate in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, which is set to begin in late November. In preparation, he has been training rigorously at Mumbai’s Sharad Pawar Indoor Cricket Academy to stay in prime form. Their most recent international outings came during India’s ODI series in Australia, where Rohit’s performances, including a century in the series-deciding match, earned him Player of the Series honors. Kohli, after two early low scores, bounced back strongly with an unbeaten 87 in the final match.
The BCCI’s approach ensures that these stalwarts remain ready for India’s upcoming ODI series against South Africa starting December 3, and another series hosting New Zealand in January 2026. During the gap between these series, the Vijay Hazare Trophy will serve as an opportunity for Sharma and Kohli to attain the necessary match exposure.
This directive also promotes a culture of discipline and fairness, emphasizing that all players, regardless of stature or past achievements, must earn their place through consistent effort and performance. Although both players have already established themselves as legends of Indian cricket, regular competitive cricket remains essential to their longevity and impact at the international level.
As preparations intensify toward the 2027 ODI World Cup, the BCCI’s insistence on senior players’ participation in domestic cricket reflects a balanced strategy—leveraging experience while nurturing emerging talent through domestic exposure and leadership.
In summary, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s mandated domestic cricket participation highlights the BCCI’s proactive stance on fitness and match preparedness, reinforcing that even cricket’s biggest stars remain accountable and connected to India’s robust domestic cricket structure as they continue representing the nation at the highest level.
