Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Set to Shine in Vijay Hazare Trophy

The Vijay Hazare One-Day Trophy is set to commence, featuring cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Their participation highlights the evolving dynamics of Indian cricket, as they face pressure from emerging talents. With Kohli returning after 15 years and Rohit confirming his matches, both players are under scrutiny. The tournament also presents opportunities for younger players like Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill to showcase their skills. As the competition heats up, the selectors will be keenly observing the performances of both seasoned stars and rising talents in this prestigious domestic event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 23, 2025, 12:19 IST

Star Power at the Vijay Hazare Trophy

The upcoming Vijay Hazare One-Day Trophy, commencing on Wednesday, is set to be a showcase of talent with prominent figures like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma leading a strong contingent of Indian cricketers. This tournament offers them a platform to demonstrate their skills amidst a renewed emphasis on domestic cricket.

Joining the star-studded lineup are players such as Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav, but the spotlight remains firmly on Kohli and Rohit.

Their participation is tied to the BCCI's recent mandate requiring Indian players to participate in at least two matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

For Kohli, who returns to this tournament after a 15-year hiatus, and Rohit, it serves as a reminder of the shifting dynamics within Indian cricket.

While they continue to be the most celebrated figures in the sport, the reality is that both cricket and time are moving forward. They are akin to legendary musicians seeking relevance in a changing musical landscape.

Observing their journey through this evolving challenge is indeed captivating.

Can Rohit and Kohli Deliver?

Rohit has confirmed his participation in the initial two matches for Mumbai against Sikkim and Uttarakhand, scheduled for December 24 and 26 in Jaipur.

Kohli, who has been training under former batting coach Sanjay Bangar in Mumbai, is yet to finalize which matches he will play for Delhi.

Delhi's campaign in Elite Group D will kick off against Andhra in Bengaluru, with the venue dependent on the Karnataka state home ministry's decision, followed by a match against Gujarat.

Since arriving in Bengaluru on Tuesday night, speculation suggests that Kohli may play in both matches.

While both players retain the ability to select their games, they seem to lack control over their future in the sport.

A lackluster performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy won't impact their selection for the upcoming ODIs against New Zealand, but both Kohli and Rohit are acutely aware that their positions are becoming increasingly precarious.

The Pressure of Emerging Talent

They are conscious of the younger players who are eager to take their places. The likes of Yash Dhull and R Smaran are making their presence felt.

The recent exclusion of Gill from the T20 World Cup squad, coupled with Ishan Kishan's selection following a stellar performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, serves as a stark reminder of the competitive nature of the sport.

If selectors can overlook Gill, a rising star, for team dynamics, then Kohli and Rohit are not immune to similar scrutiny.

Thus, for Kohli and Rohit, this tournament represents a personal challenge to reignite their passion in the competitive environment of domestic cricket, while also contending with a younger generation of players.

Focus on Young Talent

Beyond the Kohli-Rohit narrative, there are several intriguing storylines to follow.

Pant, a fixture in Test cricket, will be keen to re-establish himself as a contender for white-ball formats, having not played in ODIs or T20Is since August 2024.

Gill, on the other hand, will be looking to channel his disappointment from being overlooked for the T20 World Cup into strong performances for Punjab.

This tournament will serve as a valuable preparation for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, where he is set to lead the Indian side.

Another aspect to watch is the selectors' interest in emerging bowling talents, particularly fast bowlers.

Since Mohammed Siraj's rise through the Ranji Trophy, few young bowlers have made a significant impact to break into the established pace lineup.

The supporting bowlers, including Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Akash Deep, have struggled with consistency.

In this context, players like Gurjapneet Singh (Tamil Nadu), Gurnoor Brar (Punjab), Yudhvir Singh (J&K), Anuj Thakral (Haryana), and Sakib Hussain (Bihar) will be under close observation from selectors.