BCCI Tells Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to Earn ODI Spots via Domestic Route | Reports

BCCI has reportedly told Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play in domestic one-day matches like the Vijay Hazare Trophy if they want to stay in India’s ODI squad.

The BCCI has reportedly instructed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in domestic one-day cricket to remain eligible for India’s ODI team. Both senior players, who have retired from Tests and T20Is, continue to feature in the 50-over format. According to reports from the Indian Express, the board and team management have made it clear that playing in tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be essential to maintain match fitness.

“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,” a source was quoted as saying.

Rohit to Return for Domestic One-Day Cricket

Rohit has reportedly informed the Mumbai Cricket Association of his availability for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy starting December 24. However, Kohli’s participation remains uncertain. The tournament is the only domestic one-day match scheduled between India’s ODI series against South Africa (December 3–9) and New Zealand (January 11–15).

Rohit has also informed the MCA of his readiness to feature in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy starting November 26. He has been training at the Sharad Pawar indoor academy. Last season, Kohli and Rohit played one Ranji Trophy match each after long absences of 10 and 12 years respectively.

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Both retired from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup and from Tests following the 2024–25 Australia tour. They last played in the ODI series against Australia, where their match-winning stand in the final game secured India’s win. While Rohit struck a century, Kohli bounced back with an unbeaten 87 after two early dismissals.