Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have reportedly been instructed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that they must take part in domestic cricket if they wish to continue representing the national side. The Indian Express first reported the development. Although both players have retired from Tests and T20 internationals, they remain part of India’s ODI setup.
Following the BCCI’s directive, Kohli and Rohit could feature in India’s domestic one-day tournament, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which begins on 24 November. The competition falls between India’s ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand and is the country’s only 50-over domestic event during that period.
According to The Indian Express, Rohit has already informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) of his readiness to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kohli’s participation, however, remains uncertain.
The 37-year-old Kohli and 38-year-old Rohit last featured in India’s ODI series in Australia last month. While Rohit struggled in the opening match, he went on to score a fifty and a century in the series. Kohli, on the other hand, was dismissed for a duck in the first two games before remaining unbeaten on 74 in the final ODI.
A BCCI source told The Indian Express, “The board and the team management have made it clear to both players that if they wish to play for India, they must also play domestic cricket. Since they’ve retired from two formats, playing domestic matches is essential to maintain match fitness.”
The report also suggests that Rohit could appear in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, which begins on 26 November. He is currently training at the Sharad Pawar Indoor Academy in Mumbai. The BCCI is hopeful that Kohli, currently based in London, will also return to take part in domestic fixtures.
Last month, selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar also emphasised the importance of players participating in domestic cricket. “We’ve made it clear over the past couple of years that whenever players are available, they must turn out for their state sides. That’s the only way to stay fit and match-ready,” Agarkar said.
Both Rohit and Kohli played a match each in last season’s Ranji Trophy—Kohli for Delhi after a 12-year gap and Rohit for Mumbai after a decade. At the time, Rohit explained, “Since 2019, I’ve been playing Tests regularly. With so much international cricket, there’s barely time for domestic matches. Sometimes, a short break is necessary.”
Speaking about the pair’s future and the 2027 ODI World Cup, Agarkar added, “It’s hard to predict how things will look in two years’ time. We’re not testing them in every match, nor will they be dropped after one poor series. Likewise, a couple of centuries won’t automatically guarantee a World Cup spot. They’ve achieved everything—runs, trophies, records. What matters now is how the team is being shaped moving forward.”