‘If they want to play for India…’: BCCI gives clear instructions to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – Report

Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play in the 2027 ODI World Cup? That question is on the minds of many cricket fans. Both players now represent India only in the One Day International format. Having retired from T20Is and Test cricket, the two senior players have now received instructions from the BCCI. They must participate in domestic cricket to stay in contention for national selection.

The BCCI has made it clear that both players will have to feature in domestic cricket to remain part of India’s ODI team. This directive is expected to take effect with the Vijay Hazare Trophy, starting December 24. The tournament falls between India’s two home ODI series. India will play three ODIs against South Africa starting November 30th and then host New Zealand in January.

Rohit Sharma ready – Virat Kohli yet to confirm!

According to a report in The Indian Express, Rohit Sharma has informed the Mumbai Cricket Association that he will be available for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, while there has been no confirmation from Virat Kohli so far.

Add Cricket Country as a Preferred Source

Virat and Rohit recently played in the ODI series against Australia. Although India lost the series, both veterans performed well in the final match. Rohit scored a century, while Virat remained unbeaten on 87.

The newspaper, citing sources, reported that the team management has informed both of them about playing domestic cricket.

BCCI’s clear statement: Domestic cricket is mandatory

“The Board and team management have informed both Virat and Rohit that if they want to play for India, they must play domestic cricket. Now that they have retired from two formats, they will have to play domestic cricket to remain match-fit.”

Rohit and Virat retired from T20Is after India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, and from Test cricket in May 2025.

Rohit has also informed the Mumbai Cricket Association that he will be available for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, starting November 26. He is currently training at the Sharad Pawar Indoor Academy in Mumbai.

The BCCI has confirmed that Virat Kohli, who is currently lives in London, will also participate in domestic cricket.

India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar also stressed the importance of domestic cricket. He said, “We made it clear a year or two ago that players should go and play domestic cricket whenever they have time.”

Both Rohit and Virat recently made rare appearances in the Ranji Trophy. Kohli played for Delhi after 12 years, while Rohit played for Mumbai after 10 years.