Future of Kohli and Rohit in ODI Cricket Uncertain Amid Busy Schedule
Speculation Surrounding Kohli and Rohit's ODI Careers
Recent reports have sparked new doubts about the international careers of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. It has been suggested that their time in One Day Internationals (ODIs) may conclude after October. The speculation indicates that if they wish to compete in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India's premier domestic 50-over tournament, may be necessary.
Focus on India A Matches
However, an update from a reliable source reveals that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is prioritizing the availability of Kohli and Rohit for India A matches rather than the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Due to potential clashes with the international schedule, their involvement in the Vijay Hazare Trophy appears doubtful.
"Even if they participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, they will have already played six ODIs beforehand. Between the ODI series against Australia and South Africa, there is an India A series against South Africa A, featuring three List A matches scheduled for November 13, 16, and 19 in Rajkot," a BCCI insider shared.
Reduced International Commitments
Both Rohit and Kohli have been gradually scaling back their international commitments. After winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados last summer, they announced their retirement from T20 internationals. In May of this year, they also stepped back from Test cricket just before India's tour of England, leaving ODIs as their only remaining format.
"The key question now is whether they will opt to play in those three A matches, or perhaps just two, before the South Africa series. It is also crucial to consider whether Ajit Agarkar and his team would prefer that," the source added.
BCCI's Plans for India A Series
India's upcoming ODI series against Australia is set for October 19 to 25. Prior to this series, some BCCI officials are reportedly eager for Kohli and Rohit to participate in a couple of India A matches to enhance their match fitness. These games are scheduled in Kanpur on September 30, October 3, and October 5, coinciding with India's Test series against the West Indies in Ahmedabad.
The Australia A team, featuring talents like Jake Fraser-McGurk, will be touring India during this period.
Vijay Hazare Participation Unlikely
A report from a local media outlet suggests that the seasoned players need to engage in domestic cricket to remain on the selectors' radar. However, they are already slated to play six ODIs—three against Australia and three against South Africa—before the Vijay Hazare Trophy begins on December 24.
Moreover, India's ODI tour of New Zealand in January is expected to overlap with the domestic List A competition, further complicating their availability for the Vijay Hazare.