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“Vijay Hazare Trophy is coming”: Ashwin tells BCCI to make Kohli, Rohit play domestic cricket

Arunima Purohit

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been included in the ODI squad for the upcoming Australia series. Since then, several former players have expressed their views on the legendary duo participating in domestic tournaments around the country to gain the match practice required. 

Now, former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has also opened up about how necessary it is for Kohli and Rohit to play domestic cricket in the future. Ashwin, who retired in November 2024 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has had an illustrious career in red-ball cricket.  

R. Ashwin wants Kohli, Rohit to play domestic cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin has urged the BCCI to encourage Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in domestic matches or play for India A in the future. Since the number of ODI matches played in a year is relatively low, and the ICC ODI World Cup 2025 is approaching, players need to maintain their form, and getting match practice is essential. 

“If you need their services, you have to find a way. For example, the India ‘A’ series happened, so you need to ask them to play that series because there is not much 50-over cricket. They should have said that if you don’t play the series, I don’t think you fit in the plan. If not this series, then they have to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, because that will let us know the kind of form you are in,” said R. Ashwin on his YouTube channel.

That experience you cannot buy in a store: R. Ashwin

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have dedicated a lot of time to Indian cricket. Speaking about their experience, Ashwin mentioned that the selectors will have to be extremely clear about the squad selection ahead of the ODI World Cup 2027. However, the inclusion of Kohli and Rohit will depend on the selectors and how they handle the situation. 

"I don’t think any selector or coach will have it in them to say that Virat and Rohit’s services are no longer needed. That experience you cannot buy in a store. You will have to be really gone wrong somewhere to say that you don’t need them. If there is any doubt as to whether they will be able to make it until the 2027 World Cup, then I think the direction they have taken seems to be fair. You cannot go leading up to the World Cup with so many question marks,” he added.