Did BCCI Instruct Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli to Feature in Vijay Hazare Trophy? Board Finally Responds

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have decided to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy to get proper one-day practice before the home series against New Zealand. Both are coming in with strong form after recent matches against Australia and South Africa, where they scored big hundreds and fifties and even bagged Player of the Series awards.

There were reports that the BCCI had instructed the senior players to join domestic cricket. Board officials have now said this is not true. The general rule says centrally contracted players should turn out for their state teams when they are not on national duty. But in this case, the board says the push came from the players themselves.

A BCCI official said the choice was personal. He added, “It is their decision, and they have decided to play.” The move shows both players want to keep their ODI rhythm going as India move into a busy season.

Kohli has already informed the Delhi and District Cricket Association about his availability. Rohit is likely to join the Mumbai squad. Their presence is expected to lift the tournament and help younger players get valuable experience with two of India’s biggest names.

Questions remain around their long-term ODI future. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has not confirmed if they will be part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Both players know they need regular cricket to stay in contention, and this step seems to point in that direction.

Their decision also settles the confusion around earlier reports. It makes clear that neither player was ordered to appear in the tournament. They wanted the match time as they prepare for New Zealand and look to extend their ODI careers.