Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma be asked to play domestic cricket?

Veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohliproduced a vintage performance in the third and final ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, guiding India to a dominant nine-wicket victory. Rohit (121) and Kohli (74) shared an unbeaten 168-run partnership for the second wicket, but despite their heroics, questions persist about their future in international cricket — particularly whether they will be part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

While both veterans found form in Sydney, signs of rust were evident throughout the series. Having retired from Tests and T20Is, Rohit and Kohli now feature only in ODIs, making regular game time a challenge. To stay match-ready, there is growing talk that the duo might play in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy in December 2025.

India’s ODI captain Shubman Gill hinted that senior players could be asked to take part in domestic cricket, confirming that discussions on the matter will take place after the ODI series against South Africa later this year.

India’s next ODI assignment is the three-match series against South Africa starting November 30. With no ODIs scheduled again until January 2026, when India host New Zealand, playing domestic cricket could help both Rohit and Kohli maintain form and fitness.

Also Read: When will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli next play for India after Australia ODIs?

When asked about the possibility of the senior duo playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Gill said, “Right now, we haven’t had any discussions. There’s not much time left before the South Africa series. There’s a small gap afterward, and we’ll decide then how to keep the players in touch.”

Earlier, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had emphasized that all centrally contracted players should represent their state sides in domestic cricket whenever schedules permit — a remark widely interpreted as directed toward Rohit and Kohli.

Notably, both the senior players had chosen to skip the India A series against Australia A prior to the Australia tour.