Emerging news reports suggest that Team India players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will feature in domestic cricket matches from December 2025. Sources within the BCCI suggest that both players agreed to feature for their respective domestic teams at the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025.
How Many Games Will Kohli and Sharma Play in at Vijay Hazare Trophy?
Media reports claim both senior cricketers agreed to feature in at least 3 one-day matches at the Vijay Hazare Trophy. They reportedly agreed to play domestic-level cricket after a brief meeting with BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
Kohli and Sharma to Play in ODI Series vs Australia before Domestic Cricket Matches
India has three ODI matches on schedule in Australia from October 19 to 25, 2025. Both players made the final 15-man squad to face their hosts in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney.
Why are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Planning to Play Domestic Cricket?
Sharma and Kohli retired from 2 out of 3 international formats within two years. Both players left T20I cricket on the same day after lifting India’s second T20 World Cup title. They also retired from Test cricket within 6 days of each other in May 2025; however, the veterans are yet to exit ODI cricket.
Some analysts suggest that the reluctance of both cricketers to leave 50-over cricket is symbolic. These sports analysts believe that Sharma and Kohli have plans to play for India at the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
The prospect of Kohli and Sharma representing India on the global stage excites fans; however, realities may hamper their progression to feature in that tournament. Featuring in domestic cricket could be a way to signal selectors, coaching staff, and fans that they are ready and fit to represent India on the international stage.
Why Sharma and Kohli 2027 ODI World Cup Plans May Not Happen
Age
Fans love Sharma and Kohli for their contribution to success in India cricket over the years. However, both players may be too old to play for India when the World Cup begins. Sharma will be 40 years old in 2027 and Kohli will be 38. Aging players across sports usually become less effective as the years go by.
Pecking order
The BCCI selectors will overlook several players during squad picks ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kohli and Sharma may not be fit enough to take part in every ODI encounter from now until 2027 while joggling franchise duties alongside.
Younger players already proving their worth may also get picked over veterans. Team India currently has multiple younger players set to fill roles left vacant by Kohli and Sharma. These youngsters could get the nod and see the wishes of both legends come to an end.
Potential setbacks before tournament
Every player wants to be fit enough to represent their country in international tournaments. However, some of these star players must navigate fitness and form issues to stand any chance of taking part in continental or international competitions.
Injury woes or poor fitness may come knocking close to the dates of such tournaments. Several star players have missed high-profile tournaments across sports due to availability or form issues.
Ravi Shastri Gives His Verdict on Sharma, Kohli ODI Participation
Former Team India player and coach Ravi Shastri believes Rohit and Virat are still part of the squad’s ODI plans. The retired cricketer suggests that match fitness and overall form will determine the 2027 aspirations of both players:
“They’re part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger and, of course, form. So, I think this series is very important to see how they go. They themselves will know by the end of this series how they feel and then it’s their call,” Shastri said.
Parthiv Patel Believes Team India ODI Captain Will Face No Issues Managing Kohli and Virat
Former Team India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel believes current ODI skipper Shubman Gill will have no problems managing both veterans as they aim to play at the next World Cup:
“I don’t think that it will be a problem because of the kind of characters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are. You look at Virat, he became the captain when MS Dhoni was still playing. He knows what role a senior plays in grooming a new captain,” Parthiv said.
Anil Kumble Urges Fans to Celebrate Kohli and Sharma as They Near Full Retirement
Team India bowling legend Anil Kumble has asked fans of both players to celebrate their contribution to Indian cricket as they set their sights on a final major tournament in 2027:
“Let’s just celebrate the two players on the field. They have done so much for Indian cricket over the years. You don’t know if… yes, in their heads, they have been thinking of 2027 (ODI W/Cup), but it’s still a couple of years from now,” Kumble said.
