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BCCI's Big Move: Why Kohli and Rohit Must Play Domestic Cricket Now

The BCCI has reportedly instructed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in domestic matches to stay in contention for the ODI team. Both players have retired from T20Is and Tests, leaving only the ODI format for their international careers. With limited ODI matches scheduled until January 2026, the board wants them to maintain match fitness through domestic cricket. This move comes as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup selection process.

Key Points: BCCI Asks Kohli Rohit to Play Domestic Matches for ODI Spot

  • Both players retired from T20Is and Tests, focusing only on ODI format now
  • Limited ODI matches scheduled until January 2026 against New Zealand
  • Rohit Sharma has informed MCA about Vijay Hazare Trophy availability
  • Kohli and Rohit need match fitness through domestic cricket for 2027 World Cup
3 min read

BCCI asks Rohit and Kohli to participate in domestic matches: Reports

BCCI instructs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in domestic cricket to maintain ODI team eligibility ahead of 2027 World Cup selection.

"The board and team management have conveyed to both of them that they will have to play domestic cricket if they want to play for India - BCCI Sources"

New Delhi, Nov 12

India stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have reportedly been instructed to participate in domestic matches for their respective state teams to stay in the reckoning for ODI team.

The duo are active only in ODIs, having retired from the shortest and longest formats, that is T20Is and Tests. With limited one-day internationals scheduled for now and the focus on the 20-over format as the T20 World Cup approaches quickly, Kohli and Rohit will need game time to stay in contention for a place in the squad for the ODI World Cup scheduled in 2027.

The duo will most likely participate in the three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled to start from December 3, and will probably only be seen again in India colours in January 2026, when the Men in Blue host New Zealand for ODIs from the 11th of the month. Kohli and Rohit will have a month-long break in between, which is when the Vijay Hazare Trophy is set to be played.

A report by the Indian Express suggests that Rohit has informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) about his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but there haven't been any updates on this from Kohli's end.

"The board and team management have conveyed to both of them that they will have to play domestic cricket if they want to play for India. As they both have retired from two formats, they have to play domestic cricket to be match-fit," BCCI sources were quoted in the report.

Kohli and Rohit last played the ODI series in Australia last month, where their unbeaten partnership in the third and final game helped the Men in Blue secure a nine-wicket win. Rohit shone in two of the three games, including scoring a century in the third, while Kohli recovered from two ducks to score an unbeaten 87 in the final ODI.

Rohit has reportedly informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) that he could be available for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, set to begin on November 26.

The India captain has been sharpening his skills at Mumbai's Sharad Pawar Indoor Academy in recent days. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is also hopeful that Kohli will make a return to domestic cricket.

Last season, Rohit and Kohli each played one Ranji Trophy match. In January, Kohli returned to play for Delhi after a 12-year absence, while Rohit appeared for Mumbai after a 10-year hiatus.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Honestly, I'm a bit worried. These players have given so much to Indian cricket, do they really need to prove themselves again in domestic matches? They should be allowed to manage their workload as they see fit.
A
Arjun K
Imagine being a young domestic player and suddenly finding yourself sharing the dressing room with Kohli or Rohit! What an opportunity for our domestic circuit. This will raise the standard of domestic cricket too.
S
Sarah B
Smart planning for the 2027 World Cup. With limited ODIs scheduled, this ensures our key players stay in rhythm. The timing with Vijay Hazare Trophy is perfect.
V
Vikram M
Good to see both legends setting examples. No one should be above domestic cricket. This shows their commitment to Indian cricket. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
K
Kavya N
Hope this doesn't lead to burnout. These players are national treasures and we need to protect them. Maybe they could play fewer domestic matches but with proper intensity?
M
Michael C
This is exactly what Indian cricket needs - established stars giving back to domestic cricket. The young players will learn so much from their experience and professionalism.

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