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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli set to play domestic cricket after Australia series: Report

Rajgeeta Yadav

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli expected to play domestic cricket [Source: AFP]Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli expected to play domestic cricket [Source: AFP]

Reports suggest that India stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma might soon return to domestic cricket after the upcoming Australia ODI series. If things go as planned, both players are expected to feature in at least three matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier one-day domestic tournament, before the New Zealand ODI series in January. 

This move is seen as part of their plan to stay in shape and competitive if they aim to play in the 2027 World Cup.

Kohli and Rohit were last seen in action during the Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai, where India defeated New Zealand. After that memorable win, both announced their retirement from Test cricket in May.

Rohit and Kohli agree to selectors’ decision

According to a report from PTI , the two senior players have agreed to the suggestion made by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and will make themselves available for at least three Vijay Hazare Trophy games. The tournament begins on December 24, right after India’s home series against South Africa and before the New Zealand matches. 

During this gap, there will be six rounds of games for Delhi (Kohli’s team) and Mumbai (Rohit’s team), and selectors expect both to participate.

Agarkar recently emphasised that all centrally contracted players must play domestic cricket when fit, to maintain match readiness and support the domestic structure. There is a five-week break between the last SA ODI on December 6 and the first NZ ODI on January 11, providing a perfect window for them to play locally.

A BCCI source told PTI that both stars are expected to feature in at least three matches before rejoining the national team. 

"The Vijay Hazare Trophy starts on December 24. There will be six rounds of games for Mumbai (December 24, 26, 29, 31, Jan 3, 6, 8). Rohit will be expected to at least play three rounds before linking up with the squad. Ditto for Virat,"  a BCCI source said.

Despite ongoing speculation about their ODI futures, both Kohli and Rohit have been included in the squad for the Australia ODIs, marking their return to international cricket.

Interestingly, Rohit will no longer captain the side, as Shubman Gill has been named the new ODI skipper.