Star Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma missed their respective Vijay Hazare Trophy fourth-round matches on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, as they shift focus to India's upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand. Both players had participated in the first two rounds of the domestic one-day tournament, adhering to a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directive for centrally contracted players to feature in state-level competitions. Their absence allows them to prepare for the crucial international assignments beginning in early January 2026.[sports+4]
BCCI Emphasizes Domestic Participation
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has recently re-emphasized the importance of domestic cricket, mandating centrally contracted players to participate in tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy when not on national duty. This directive aims to ensure players maintain form and competitive edge, and it has been a significant point of discussion within the cricketing fraternity.The policy ensures that India's vast pool of talent gets opportunities and that top players contribute to the domestic structure.While senior players like Kohli, Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah previously had some flexibility regarding domestic participation, a renewed focus from the BCCI in 2025 reinforced this requirement.[thestatesman+8]
Both Virat Kohli, representing Delhi, and Rohit Sharma, playing for Mumbai, returned to the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the 2025-26 season after significant gaps.Kohli played in the tournament after nearly 15 years, while Sharma made his comeback after seven years.Their initial participation generated considerable buzz and added star power to the premier domestic 50-over competition.[zeenews+10]
Strong Performances in Early Rounds
In their two appearances, both batsmen showcased their class. Virat Kohli was in excellent form for Delhi, scoring 131 and 77 runs in his matches.During his century, Kohli also became the fastest batter to reach 16,000 List A runs, achieving the milestone in his 330th innings and surpassing the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar.Rohit Sharma also made a strong impact for Mumbai, smashing an unbeaten 155 runs off 94 balls against Sikkim in his opening match.This knock marked his fastest List A century, coming off just 62 deliveries.However, he was dismissed for a golden duck in his second game against Uttarakhand.[sports+11]
Following their two mandated matches, both players chose to sit out the third and fourth rounds of the tournament.The decision aligns with their need to manage their workload and focus on the demanding international schedule ahead.[sports+5]
Focus Shifts to New Zealand Series
The primary reason for their absence from the later stages of the Vijay Hazare Trophy is the impending home series against New Zealand. India is set to open its 2026 international calendar with a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series, followed by five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) against the Black Caps.The first ODI is scheduled for January 11, 2026, in Vadodara.[hindustantimes+8]
Rohit Sharma will not participate in any further Vijay Hazare Trophy matches this season, dedicating his time to preparing for the New Zealand series.Virat Kohli, however, has confirmed his availability for one more match for Delhi. He is expected to play against Railways on January 6, 2026, before joining the national squad.Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) President Rohan Jaitley confirmed Kohli's commitment for three games, exceeding the BCCI's minimum requirement.A BCCI source indicated that Kohli might arrive a day earlier for training with the national team ahead of the New Zealand series.[sports+12]
Packed International Calendar Ahead
The New Zealand series marks the beginning of a packed year for the Indian men's cricket team in 2026.Following the bilateral series, India will co-host the ICC Men's T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026.This major tournament will be a significant event in the Indian cricket calendar, further emphasizing the need for key players to be in peak physical and mental condition.[hindustantimes+8]
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, India's premier domestic 50-over competition, runs from December 24, 2025, to January 18, 2026.It features all 38 teams from the Ranji Trophy, divided into elite and plate groups.The tournament serves as a crucial platform for emerging talent and a proving ground for players aiming for national selection.Karnataka are the defending champions of the tournament.[en+7]
The strategic decision by Kohli and Sharma to prioritize international preparation reflects the demanding nature of modern cricket and the constant balance players must strike between national duties and domestic commitments. Their limited but impactful participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy highlighted the tournament's significance while ensuring readiness for India's crucial international schedule.
