BCCI Says Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Chose Vijay Hazare Return Without any Board Pressure

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a firm clarification amid speculation that senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were compelled to participate in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy as a prerequisite for extending their One-Day International (ODI) careers. According to a RevSportz report, a top BCCI official emphasised that the decision was entirely voluntary, stating, "They have decided; it's their decision," when asked about any board nudge toward domestic involvement. This comes after both players confirmed their availability for the 50-over domestic tournament starting December 24, 2025, marking a significant return to grassroots cricket for the duo, who retired from Test and T20I formats earlier in the year. The Vijay Hazare Trophy, India's premier List A competition, will feature Rohit representing Mumbai in Group C and Kohli suiting up for Delhi, potentially limited to a few group-stage matches due to the subsequent India-New Zealand ODI series beginning January 11, 2026.

Rohit, the former India captain, had already informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) of his participation weeks ago, while Kohli's commitment followed initial reports of hesitation, with the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) confirming his involvement on December 2. The BCCI's policy, introduced earlier in 2025 as part of a 10-point directive to curb "star culture", mandates centrally contracted players to prioritise domestic cricket when not on national duty, a rule that prompted both stars to play a single Ranji Trophy match each after the disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in Australia. However, officials reiterated that no coercion was applied, with the board viewing their return as a proactive step to maintain match fitness and mentor emerging talent. Selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir have long advocated for such engagement, but the emphasis remains on player autonomy to foster a balanced ecosystem.

In ODIs, where both Rohit and Kohli remain pivotal—evidenced by Rohit's century and Kohli's half-century in the recent third ODI against South Africa—Gambhir has publicly expressed hope for their continued involvement, though he stopped short of guarantees for the 2027 World Cup squad. Their domestic stint aligns with this format's demands, providing crucial 50-over practice ahead of a packed white-ball calendar, including the Champions Trophy in early 2026. Gambhir's philosophy, as articulated post the South Africa series, underscores the need for senior players to "stay connected" without exceptions, a stance that has drawn mixed reactions from fans debating workload management for veterans in their mid-30s. Yet, the BCCI's clarification quells rumours of internal discord, portraying the move as a testament to the players' commitment to India's cricketing depth.

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The Vijay Hazare Trophy, spanning December 24, 2025, to mid-February 2026, has historically served as a breeding ground for national selectors, with past editions launching careers like those of Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill. Rohit and Kohli's participation—Rohit's first since 2017 and Kohli's after a 15-year gap—could elevate the tournament's profile, drawing larger crowds and inspiring state teams like Mumbai (facing Maharashtra, Punjab, and Goa) and Delhi (in Bengaluru venues). Mumbai chief selector Lalchand Rajput hailed the initiative, noting it allows youngsters like Ayush Mhatre and Musheer Khan to "pick their brains". As India eyes a transitional phase post their Test retirements, this voluntary return reinforces the board's push for a robust domestic pipeline, ensuring the ODI heavyweights remain sharp while bridging generational gaps in the sport.

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