Updated: November 30, 2025 12:13 PM IST
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are facing scrutiny over limited game time, with Ajit Agarkar tipping them to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy to remain in World Cup plans.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been accustomed to non-stop cricket for most of their careers. But his retirement from T20Is and then Tests last year has reduced his workload to just one format. Since the 2027 ODI World Cup is still a long way off, the prospect of a limited number of matches being played apart from the IPL has worried the selectors. As a result, they remain reluctant about including the duo in long-term World Cup plans.
Even the pair’s stellar innings in Sydney last month, highlighted by their record match-winning century stand for the second wicket, have not led to any change in the selectors’ stance, according to a report in The Times of India. Not only have they remained reluctant, but the report also suggests that the decision makers are “waiting for Rohit or Kohli to make a mistake, in terms of fitness or form, to justify their non-selection.” But both the giants seem ready for this challenge.
In an effort to allay concerns about their limited playing time, the selection committee and team management are keen on both Kohli and Rohit taking part in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, starting next month. The report added that chief selector Ajit Agarkar has assured that South Africa “will have a tough challenge if they don’t play in the domestic circuit” after the ODIs are over. While Rohit has reportedly accepted the challenge, Agarkar’s strong message has inspired Kohli to follow suit.
The report further states that Kohli will go back to London after the ODI series against South Africa, but is expected to return to Bengaluru later and join the Delhi team for a few matches. However, the plan may change depending on the schedule of the home ODI series against New Zealand in January next year. “There has been no communication with the DDCA in this regard, but the India No. 3 has more or less finalized his schedule for the rest of the year while he is in Australia,” the report said.
According to a separate media report last month, Rohit had not only agreed to participate in the domestic List A tournament but had also assured his availability for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. However, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has revealed that it is yet to receive official communication from the former India captain regarding the matter.
Vijay Hazare Trophy will start from 24th December.
