Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli tipped for domestic return before New Zealand ODIs; which games Indian batting duo might play?

By Admin

10 Oct, 2025

Indian cricket fans could soon witness a rare sight   Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli donning their domestic colors once again. After a seven-month hiatus, the Indian batting stalwarts have been named in the ODI squad for the upcoming Australian tour in October. However, before they face New Zealand in January 2026, both are tipped to feature in domestic cricket to regain form and match fitness.

A Return to Domestic Roots

With no international fixtures between December and January, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expects all centrally contracted players   including Rohit and Kohli   to participate in domestic tournaments when available. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized that every fit and available player must turn up for their state sides, aligning with the board’s push to strengthen India’s domestic circuit.

Vijay Hazare Trophy Likely to Feature the Duo

Between India’s ODI series against South Africa (ending December 6) and the New Zealand ODIs (starting January 11), six rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy are scheduled for both Delhi and Mumbai. As per BCCI sources, the selectors expect both veterans to play at least three matches each before joining the national squad.

According to reports, Virat Kohli is expected to represent Delhi in Group D against Andhra Pradesh (December 24), Gujarat (December 26), and Saurashtra (December 29). Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is likely to lead Mumbai in Group C fixtures versus Sikkim (December 24), Uttarakhand (December 26), and Chhattisgarh (December 29).

Preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup

Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Rohit and Kohli’s inclusion in the ODI setup signals that they may be eyeing one final shot at the 2027 ODI World Cup. With limited 50-over matches in India’s current schedule, playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy will help them rediscover rhythm and match readiness  something both selectors and fans are keen to witness.

Legends Support Domestic Participation

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly and veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin have strongly backed the move for the duo to return to domestic cricket.

Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, said, “They should have played the India ‘A’ series, but if not that, then the Vijay Hazare Trophy is the best chance to judge their form. If you don’t play, it’s hard to fit into the plan.”

Ganguly, who recently resumed his role as President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), echoed the same sentiment: “It depends on how fit they remain and how much they perform. Whatever opportunities they get, they must play domestic cricket. Otherwise, you lose touch, form, and rhythm. Cricket demands continuity.”

What Lies Ahead

As the countdown begins for the New Zealand series, fans are eager to see India’s most prolific duo back in action   this time in domestic whites before the international blues. Their return to the domestic arena not only adds star power to the Vijay Hazare Trophy but also reinforces a vital cricketing message: no matter how big the stage, form begins at the grassroots.