Why Aren’t Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy?
The Vijay Hazare Trophy is in full swing, but fans in Alur and Jaipur were left disappointed this week. The marquee attractions—Virat Kohli for Delhi and Rohit Sharma for Mumbai—were nowhere to be seen on the team sheets for their crucial clashes against Saurashtra and Chhattisgarh, respectively. So, what happened?
Did an injury strike? Was there a sudden change of heart? The answer is far more strategic and reveals a fascinating shift in the BCCI’s management philosophy for its senior stars.
Table of Contents
- The Limited Commitment: A Pre-Arranged Plan
- The BCCI’s New Workload Management Policy
- Impact on Domestic Cricket and Fan Engagement
- What’s Next for Kohli and Rohit?
- Conclusion: A New Era of Player Management
- Sources
The Limited Commitment: A Pre-Arranged Plan
Contrary to popular belief, this wasn’t a last-minute withdrawal. Both Kohli and Sharma had a clear, pre-agreed plan with their state associations and the national board. They were slated to play only the first two matches of the tournament .
Their return to domestic cricket was a massive spectacle. Kohli smashed a brilliant 121 for Delhi against Saurashtra in their opener, while Rohit Sharma notched an unbeaten 135 against Gujarat, earning a Player of the Match award [[4], [9]]. Their presence transformed what are often quiet domestic fixtures into must-watch events, drawing huge crowds and media attention .
Having fulfilled their initial commitment and sent a strong message about their intent to be available for national selection, they have now stepped back to focus on their personal training schedules and recovery.
The BCCI’s New Workload Management Policy
This limited participation is a direct consequence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) evolving stance on player workload. In mid-2025, the BCCI, under the new leadership of chairman Ajit Agarkar and team chief Gautam Gambhir, announced a crackdown on the “pick-and-choose” culture . The board was determined to end what it saw as an abuse of the “workload management” excuse [[14], [16]].
However, this doesn’t mean workload management has been abandoned. Instead, the BCCI is moving towards a more “objective approach” . For its most senior and experienced players like Kohli and Rohit, a blanket ban on rest is impractical. The solution? A structured, pre-approved plan.
Reports suggest that the board mandated the duo to play a specific number of domestic games to prove their fitness and commitment if they wish to be considered for the upcoming ODI World Cup plans . By playing two high-intensity matches and delivering match-winning performances, they have successfully met this requirement. The official BCCI website has been a source for policy updates, though the specific internal communications remain confidential.
Impact on Domestic Cricket and Fan Engagement
Their brief stint has had a profound, dual impact on the Vijay Hazare Trophy:
- Elevated Profile: As noted by many, their presence brought unprecedented visibility to the tournament, with cameras and fans flocking to the grounds in a way that hadn’t been seen in years .
- Player Development: It provided a golden opportunity for younger domestic players to share the dressing room and field with two of the game’s modern greats, a priceless learning experience.
- Fan Disappointment: On the flip side, fans who bought tickets for subsequent matches expecting to see their heroes were left feeling short-changed. This raises questions about the balance between player management and fan expectations.
What’s Next for Kohli and Rohit?
With their Vijay Hazare Trophy obligation complete, both players are expected to shift their focus entirely to personal fitness and preparation for India’s next international assignment. Their stellar performances have likely secured their places in the national ODI setup for the time being .
For Delhi and Mumbai, the challenge is to maintain momentum without their superstar talismans. Delhi faces Gujarat on December 30 in Alur, while Mumbai will be without Rohit for their upcoming fixture against Uttarakhand . The onus is now on the next generation of talent within these squads to step up.
Conclusion: A New Era of Player Management
The absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy matches isn’t a case of flakiness or disinterest. It’s a calculated move within a new framework set by the BCCI—one that demands commitment but also recognizes the need to manage the careers of its most valuable assets intelligently. Their two-match cameo was a clear statement: they are willing to play domestic cricket, but on a structured, pre-defined plan that aligns with their long-term fitness and India’s future needs. This could well be the blueprint for managing all senior Indian cricketers moving forward. For more on India’s domestic cricket structure, check out our [INTERNAL_LINK:indian-domestic-cricket-guide].