BCCI Mandates Domestic Play for Kohli, Rohit; ‘Hitman’ Confirms Vijay Hazare Return

A massive directive just dropped on November 12, 2025. The Board of Control for Cricket in India, the powerful BCCI, has reportedly mandated that Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma must now participate in domestic cricket if they want to be considered for future One Day International selections.

The Board’s Bold Mandate

This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a clear directive, surfacing directly from the BCCI. They want to see match fitness and competitive sharpness, especially from players like Kohli (37) and Rohit (38) who’ve already retired from Test and T20 International formats. ODIs, for now, are their sole focus for representing India.

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You see, this move isn’t totally new. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has consistently stressed the importance of domestic cricket. And remember that time Kohli and Rohit played Ranji Trophy matches after India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia? Yeah, this is similar, even though they later retired from Tests.

Rohit Steps Up, Kohli’s Status Unclear

Here’s the thing: Rohit Sharma, the ‘Hitman’ himself, has already reportedly confirmed his availability to the Mumbai Cricket Association for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. That’s India’s premier domestic 50-over tournament, set to kick off on December 24, 2025.

But honestly, what about Virat Kohli? His participation in any domestic tournament, including the Vijay Hazare Trophy, is still up in the air. Reports suggest he’s currently residing in London. Will he make a move to meet the BCCI’s demand?

Expert Analysis

So, why this sudden push? Experts say it’s all about the 2027 ODI World Cup. The BCCI wants its senior players, even legends, fully immersed in competitive cricket. They can’t just stroll into international series; they need to prove their form and fitness against top domestic talent. It’s about setting a standard, really, ensuring everyone is sharp.

Social Media Storm

You can imagine the chatter. Fans are absolutely buzzing across social media. Many are praising Rohit’s quick confirmation, seeing it as a sign of his unwavering commitment to the national team. But a lot of discussion revolves around Kohli. People are speculating. Will he return to India for the domestic season? Or will this mandate complicate his ODI future?

This whole situation has definitely sparked some intense debate online. Everyone’s got an opinion on whether this mandate is fair, necessary, or even a little too late. But it’s got everyone talking about Indian cricket, for sure.

What This Means for India’s World Cup Hopes

This directive isn’t just about a few domestic games; it’s a foundational step towards the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. By making domestic play mandatory, the BCCI is trying to build a stronger, more resilient squad, ensuring every player, regardless of stature, is actively competing and in prime form. India’s scheduled ODI series against South Africa (November 30 – December 9, 2025) and the tour of New Zealand in January 2026 will be crucial tests.

Could this controversial but firm decision ultimately lead India to World Cup glory in 2027? We’ll all be watching to see how this plays out for these two icons and the future of Indian cricket. What do you think will happen next?