New Delhi:
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma two of Indian cricket’s biggest icons have already stepped away from Tests and T20Is in an effort to prolong their ODI careers. At 36 and 38 respectively, the 50-over format appears the most suited to their current stage, with both still chasing the elusive dream of lifting an ODI World Cup together in 2027.
Having endured the heartbreak of 2023, the duo seemed certain to remain central to India’s ODI plans. But a Dainik Jagran report suggests that the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia in October 2025 could potentially be their swansong in Indian colours.
If they do continue beyond that, the BCCI could ask both to represent their state sides Mumbai (Rohit) and Delhi (Kohli) in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26 to stay match-ready. Kohli last played a VHT match back in February 2010, while Rohit’s most recent appearance came in 2018.
🚨 BIG UPDATE ON KOHLI & ROHIT 🚨
The Team management is not seeing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the 2027 World Cup plans – But If both want to stay in the ODI team, they will have to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. (Abhishek Tripathi yt). pic.twitter.com/LMZBHqp8Y6
— maddyCric (@imRaghav001) August 10, 2025
Why the VHT Mandate?
Following India’s 1-3 defeat to Australia in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the BCCI made it compulsory for centrally contracted players to turn out for their state sides in domestic cricket to remain eligible for national selection. Earlier this year, both Kohli and Rohit complied by playing in the Ranji Trophy.
Now, the selectors reportedly want all prospective World Cup players to stay in rhythm by participating in domestic one-day cricket. However, whether this requirement applies meaningfully to Kohli and Rohit remains questionable.
India’s Upcoming ODI Schedule
India’s 2025-26 ODI commitments feature just nine matches three against Australia (October 2025), three against South Africa (Nov 30–Dec 6, 2025), and three against New Zealand (starting Jan 11, 2026).
The VHT will run from Dec 24, 2025, to Jan 18, 2026. Mumbai are in Group C and Delhi in Group E, each with seven group-stage matches scheduled before Jan 8, 2026.
However, the ODI squad for the New Zealand series will likely be announced by late December or early January, meaning if Kohli and Rohit are picked, they won’t be available for most if not all of the VHT.
Also Read: Kohli & Rohit’s ODI Farewell Could Come in Australia: Report
The Catch
If the pair perform strongly in the Australia and South Africa ODIs, the argument for them to play domestic cricket becomes weak. But if they struggle, selectors might push for VHT participation to test their form though it’s unclear if either would commit to a full domestic season at this stage of their careers.
With the IPL and England’s tour in mid-2026 still on the horizon, much can change in a year. But as things stand, the prospect of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy remains slim more a matter of policy than practicality.
