Speculation has surfaced regarding the international future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. A recent report suggests the potential end of the two Indian veterans’ ODI careers after October. If the duo wishes to be considered for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, they may be required to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s leading domestic 50-over tournament.
A recent update from PTI indicates that the BCCI is primarily concerned about Kohli and Rohit’s availability for India A games, rather than the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Given the likelihood of scheduling conflicts with India’s international fixtures, their participation in the Vijay Hazare championship appears unlikely.
According to a BCCI source, even if they play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, they would have already played six ODIs prior. An India A series against South Africa A, which includes three List A games (50 overs) in Rajkot on November 13, 16, and 19, is planned between the Australia and South Africa ODI series.
Both Rohit and Kohli have reduced their international appearances. Following their T20 World Cup win last summer, they retired from T20Is. They also retired from Tests earlier this year, leaving only ODIs in their international cricket schedule.
The source questioned whether the duo would opt to play in the three (or potentially two) India A games before the South Africa series, adding that Ajit Agarkar and his colleagues’ opinions also matter.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy will overlap with the three ODIs between India and New Zealand (January 11, 14, 18). This means their participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy would be limited to a few games.
India’s next ODI series is against Australia, from October 19 to 25. Before this series, some BCCI voices are keen for Kohli and Rohit to play India A games to get their match fitness up to scratch. These games are scheduled in Kanpur on September 30, October 3, and October 5, which aligns with India’s Test series against the West Indies in Ahmedabad.
The Australia A team, featuring players such as Jake Fraser-McGurk, will tour India during the same period.
Dainik Jagran reported that the experienced batsmen need to stay active in domestic cricket to remain on the selectors’ radar. However, they are slated to participate in six ODIs – three each against Australia and South Africa before the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which starts on December 24. In addition, the India’s ODI tour of New Zealand in January will likely overlap with the domestic List A competition, further limiting their availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
