Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Return to Vijay Hazare Trophy as Focus Shifts to 2027 World Cup

The Vijay Hazare Trophy has drawn significant attention this season with the return of senior Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both stalwarts are set to feature for their respective state teams, marking a rare appearance in domestic one-day cricket after several years. Their participation underlines a renewed focus on long-term preparation as Indian cricket gradually builds towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Back in Action

All eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as they step back into the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Rohit last played the tournament during the 2017–18 season, while Kohli’s previous appearance dates back to 2010–11. Their return reflects a clear intent to stay match-ready and competitive through domestic cricket.

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Rohit’s Confirmed Matches for Mumbai

Rohit Sharma has confirmed his availability for Mumbai’s first two matches in the tournament. He will play against Sikkim on Wednesday, followed by a clash with Uttarakhand on December 26. Both matches are scheduled to be held in Jaipur. The Mumbai captain’s presence adds experience to a young squad and brings added excitement to the fixtures.

Kohli Yet to Finalise His Matches

Virat Kohli, who has been training in Mumbai under the guidance of former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar, has not yet confirmed the number of matches he will play for Delhi. Sources indicate that he is likely to feature in two or three games, depending on workload management and match conditions.

Delhi’s Campaign Under Rishabh Pant

Delhi, led by Rishabh Pant, will begin their Elite Group D campaign against Andhra. The match will be played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Pant will be keen to make an impression as he looks to regain his place in India’s white-ball squads after being out of the ODI and T20I setup since August 2024.

Shubman Gill Looks to Regain Momentum

Shubman Gill will represent Punjab in their match against Maharashtra in Jaipur. The tournament provides Gill with an opportunity to respond after being overlooked for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Vijay Hazare Trophy also serves as valuable preparation ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand next month, where Gill is set to captain the side.

Pressure on Suryakumar Yadav

The tournament could be crucial for T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, who has faced scrutiny over his recent form. Over the past year, he has averaged 12.84 with a strike rate of 117.87 in T20 internationals, without registering a single half-century in 22 innings. Strong performances in the 50-over format could help him regain confidence.

Other Players with Points to Prove

Several other players will also be under the spotlight. Ishan Kishan, fresh from leading Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title, will aim to extend his form. Bowlers such as Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy will look to strengthen their case for selection in the one-day format.

Karnataka Aim to Defend Their Title

Defending champions Karnataka enter the tournament with added confidence following Karun Nair’s return. Nair enjoyed an extraordinary previous season, scoring 779 runs in just eight innings, including six centuries. His form will be vital as Karnataka look to retain the trophy.

Domestic Cricket Gains Importance Again

The participation of senior internationals has reinforced the importance of domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy. For emerging players, it offers exposure against top-level competition, while for established stars, it provides a platform to fine-tune skills and remain competitive.

Conclusion

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy has elevated the profile of the tournament. With several senior and fringe players using the platform to push for selection, the competition promises high-quality cricket. As India begins its long journey towards the 2027 World Cup, the emphasis on domestic performance once again stands at the forefront.