BCCI Directs Rohit, Kohli to Play Domestic Cricket for ODI Eligibility

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has directed former captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to participate in domestic tournaments to maintain match fitness and remain eligible for the national one-day international team, according to reports from cricket officials.

The instruction comes as both players, who have retired from Test and Twenty20 international cricket, focus solely on ODIs ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. A BCCI source told The Indian Express that the board and team management conveyed to the duo that regular domestic appearances are necessary given their limited international schedule. "Now that they have retired from two formats, they will have to play domestic cricket to remain matchfit," the source said.

Rohit Sharma has confirmed his availability to the Mumbai Cricket Association for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India's premier domestic 50-over competition, scheduled from December 24, 2025, to January 8, 2026. This period falls between India's upcoming home ODI series against South Africa, starting November 30 in Ranchi, and a three-match series against New Zealand beginning January 11. Rohit, who last played the Vijay Hazare Trophy in October 2018, is...