The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a stern directive to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: play domestic cricket or risk losing their place in the Indian team. Following their withdrawals from Test and T20 International cricket, both veterans currently feature only in the 50-over format, but even their spots in ODIs are now under threat.
According to insiders, the BCCI’s move is part of a wider policy aimed at ensuring senior players remain match-fit and maintain consistent form. By returning to domestic competitions, Kohli and Rohit would bridge the gap between international engagements and maintain the high standards expected at national level.
A senior board official told The Indian Express, “The message has been made very clear: if Kohli and Rohit wish to continue in the ODI squad, they must participate in domestic tournaments. Retirement from other formats does not exempt them from proving their readiness.”
The first opportunity for the pair to comply with the mandate could be the Vijay Hazare Trophy clash on 24 December, strategically positioned between India’s ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand. The competition is expected to act as a proving ground for match fitness and form assessment.
Reports suggest Rohit Sharma has already confirmed his participation with the Mumbai Cricket Association, while Kohli remains undecided as he spends time in London. BCCI officials, however, remain hopeful that the former captain will soon return to domestic cricket.
Both players have sporadically appeared in domestic cricket over recent years. Kohli played for Delhi after a 12-year gap, while Rohit returned to represent Mumbai after nearly a decade. Their recent international performances were mixed: Rohit scored a brilliant century in the final ODI against Australia, while Kohli recovered from two consecutive ducks to post an unbeaten 87 in the third match.
A source close to the BCCI remarked, “There is no special treatment anymore. If you want to wear the Indian jersey, you must prove yourself on the domestic circuit.” With the next ODI World Cup cycle underway, the eyes of Indian cricket fans are firmly fixed on whether two of the country’s most iconic players will accept this challenge.