The international future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is under scrutiny. Recent media reports suggest that the ODI careers of the two senior Indian cricketers might conclude after October. The reports indicate that if they aim to be considered for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s primary domestic 50-over competition, could be crucial.
However, PTI has reported that the BCCI is more concerned about Kohli and Rohit’s availability for India A games, instead of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Their participation in the Vijay Hazare championship seems unlikely due to conflicts with India’s international commitments.
A BCCI source, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that even if they played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, they would have already participated in six ODIs beforehand. The India A series against South Africa A, including three List A (50-over) matches in Rajkot on November 13, 16, and 19, is scheduled between the Australia and South Africa ODI series.
Both Rohit and Kohli have gradually reduced their international appearances. After winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados last summer, they retired from T20Is. They also retired from Tests in May, shortly before India’s England tour, leaving only ODIs in their international cricket schedule.
The source also highlighted the question of whether the pair would prioritize the three India A games before the South Africa series. Equally important is the view of Ajit Agarkar and his team.
Furthermore, the Vijay Hazare Trophy overlaps with the three ODIs between India and New Zealand (January 11, 14, 18) from December 24, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This would mean that their participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy would be limited to a few games.
India’s upcoming ODI series against Australia is scheduled from October 19 to 25. Before this series, some BCCI officials are said to be considering allowing Kohli and Rohit to play a couple of India A games to improve their match fitness. These matches are planned for Kanpur on September 30, October 3, and October 5, coinciding with India’s Test series against the West Indies in Ahmedabad.
The Australia A team, featuring players like Jake Fraser-McGurk, will be touring India during this time.
Dainik Jagran reported that the seasoned batsmen need to maintain activity in domestic cricket to remain in the selectors’ plans. They are already expected to play in six ODIs – three each against Australia and South Africa before the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which starts on December 24. Additionally, India’s ongoing ODI tour of New Zealand in January will likely clash with the domestic List A competition, further complicating their availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.