BCCI wants Kohli & Rohit to play Vijay Hazare Trophy / List A matches
Reports suggest that if Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma wish to remain in contention for selection ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, they may be required to participate in domestic one-day tournaments.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy has been specifically mentioned as a key competition to help maintain their ODI readiness (as reported by NDTV Sports and Mint).
However, given scheduling challenges and their seniority in the game, there is uncertainty over whether they will actually feature in the tournament. Some within the BCCI believe that playing in India A List A matches might be a more feasible option.
Media reports on possible exclusion from 2027 World Cup plans
Several media outlets report that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not assured spots in India’s 2027 ODI World Cup squad. The reasons cited include:
- Their advancing ages — Kohli will be around 36 and Rohit about 38 by then — and the team’s need to transition to younger talent (Sportskeeda, Pregame).
- Limited match practice since stepping away from T20Is and Tests (Ingrowia, Sportskeeda).
- Speculation that they could retire from ODIs altogether following the October 2025 Australia series.
Despite these reports, the BCCI has publicly stated that it is in no hurry to make a formal decision on its ODI futures.
Australia vs India October 2025 ODI series as a possible farewell
Speculation is mounting that the October 2025 ODI series against Australia could mark the final one-day appearance for both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
- Several reports describe the series as potentially their last ODI outing (The Times of India, NDTV Sports).
- Some media suggest that the BCCI might indirectly steer them toward retirement by linking future selection to their participation in domestic or List A matches to prove match readiness.
