Since there aren’t many ODI matches left before the 2027 ODI World Cup, chief selector Ajit Agarkar has suggested that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma participate in domestic cricket to stay fit and in touch with the 50-over format.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to feature in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025. The senior India batters have heeded chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s advice and taken the first step toward staying in contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Rohit Sharma was dropped from ODI captaincy, and the role was handed over to Shubman Gill. However, both Rohit and Virat have been included in the ODI squad against Australia.
This development comes just days after Ajit Agarkar stated in the press conference for the ODI tour of Australia that he expects Rohit and Kohli to play in the domestic List A tournament, after remaining non-committal about their selection for the World Cup in South Africa.
Agarkar said
“I think we made it clear a year or a couple of years back that whenever players are available, they should be playing domestic cricket. That’s the only way to keep yourself sharp and match-ready if you’ve had a long enough break. Whether that’s possible with the amount of international cricket they play or not, only time will tell but if the players are free, they should be playing domestic cricket.”
If both are eyeing the 2027 World Cup, their only option now is to play domestic cricket. After the ODI series against Australia ends on October 25, the next assignment will be the home series against South Africa from November 30 to December 6. The following ODI series will be against New Zealand from January 11.
According to a report by PTI, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to play at least three matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy during the six-week break before the ODI series against New Zealand.
Also read: Defence stock hits 5% upper circuit after Ashish Kacholia acquires 2 lakh shares via bulk deal
A source close to the proceedings told the news agency: “Between the last ODI against South Africa on December 6 at Visakhapatnam and the first ODI against New Zealand at Vadodara on January 11, there is a gap of five weeks.”
The Vijay Hazare Trophy begins on December 24. “There will be six rounds of games for Mumbai (December 24, 26, 29, 31, January 3, 6, 8). Rohit is expected to play at least three rounds before joining the national squad and the same goes for Virat,” a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.
Virat Kohli last played a List A game for Delhi in 2010, while Rohit Sharma last appeared in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2018. According to some reports, Virat and Rohit may retire from ODIs after the Australia tour. Virat now resides in London, and if he wishes to play domestic cricket, it may not be possible for him to feature in all the matches.
Written By:- Manjunath S
