Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are poised to participate in a minimum of three, possibly four, Vijay Hazare Trophy matches ahead of the New Zealand ODI series in January, assuming their commitment to the 2027 World Cup. The return of Rohit and Kohli to international cricket is set during the forthcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, commencing on October 19.
Following the South Africa ODIs and before the New Zealand leg, Delhi and Mumbai will engage in at least six rounds of Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures. The national selectors anticipate the duo’s involvement in the 50-over competition despite their advancing years.
India is scheduled to play three ODIs against South Africa from November 30 to December 6. The Vijay Hazare Trophy kicks off on December 24, preceding India’s hosting of New Zealand for a three-match ODI series running from January 11 to 18.
Chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, has emphasized the expectation for all fit and available centrally contracted players to participate in domestic cricket.
“There is a five-week gap between the last ODI against South Africa on December 6 and the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11. The Vijay Hazare Trophy commences on December 24, with Mumbai having six rounds of matches. Rohit and Virat are likely to feature in at least three rounds before joining the national squad,” a BCCI source revealed on anonymity terms.
Ravichandran Ashwin, on his YouTube channel, suggested the necessity for both players to engage in domestic cricket to regain form, proposing their involvement in the India A series or the Vijay Hazare Trophy as crucial indicators of their readiness.