No Retirement Yet! Kohli and Rohit Set for Vijay Hazare Return Before NZ ODIs

Indian cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are poised to return to domestic cricket, with reports indicating they will participate in at least three to four matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy before the national team's ODI series against New Zealand in January. This development comes as the duo, both in their late 30s, seek to maintain match fitness and form ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The announcement follows their inclusion in India's squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia starting October 19, where they will return to the format after stepping away from Tests and T20Is earlier this year. Despite swirling retirement rumours, particularly after Rohit's removal as ODI captain in favour of Shubman Gill, sources suggest this domestic stint is part of a broader strategy to extend their international careers.

The Vijay Hazare Trophy, India's premier domestic 50-over competition named after legendary all-rounder Vijay Hazare and launched in 2002, provides essential exposure for players honing their ODI skills. It features Ranji Trophy state teams divided into groups, with top performers advancing to knockout stages. For Sharma and Kohli, who last played the tournament in 2018 and 2010, respectively, this marks a significant comeback. A BCCI official, speaking anonymously to Press Trust of India (PTI), emphasised the expectation for centrally contracted players to engage in domestic cricket when available.

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar has reiterated this policy, stating that fit players must participate to stay sharp, especially with limited international 50-over fixtures on the calendar. The tournament's timing aligns perfectly with a five-week gap in India's schedule: after the final ODI against South Africa on December 6 in Visakhapatnam, Mumbai (Sharma's team) and Delhi (Kohli's team) will contest six rounds from December 24 to January 8, ahead of the New Zealand opener on January 11 in Vadodara.

This move is seen as a direct response to concerns over the veterans' game readiness, given the scarcity of ODIs—only nine scheduled before the 2026 IPL. Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, in a recent YouTube discussion, advocated for such participation, noting it could help them "get into the groove", similar to the India 'A' series. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar and ex-all-rounder Irfan Pathan echoed this sentiment, warning that without domestic exposure, maintaining peak performance at ages 40 (Sharma) and 39 (Kohli) by 2027 could prove challenging.

Gavaskar bluntly advised, "They will have to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy whenever it's scheduled, if it doesn’t clash with international ODIs." Pathan highlighted the distinction between physical fitness and match temperament, underscoring the tournament's role in bridging that gap. However, not all agree; commentator Aakash Chopra dismissed the idea as "bogus", arguing that selections won't hinge on domestic showings and that retaining Test involvement might have better sustained their rhythm.

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The potential involvement has sparked excitement among fans and young cricketers, offering a rare chance to witness the icons in state colours. Yet, it also underscores the BCCI's evolving approach to managing senior players, balancing legacy with succession planning. As India navigates a transitional phase in white-ball cricket, Sharma and Kohli's performances in Australia and the domestic circuit will be pivotal. Early signs point to no immediate retirement, but their commitment to the 2027 World Cup hinges on consistent contributions. With pre-series buzz building, this chapter reaffirms their enduring influence on Indian cricket, even as the next generation, led by Gill, steps into the spotlight.

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