Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s international careers have entered an uncertain phase, with their spots in the 2027 ODI World Cup squad no longer assured. To strengthen their case for selection in the evolving ODI setup, the two stalwarts may need to participate in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy and other List-A matches.
Earlier reports suggested that the iconic duo could retire from international cricket after the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia. However, the BCCI is open to keeping them in contention—provided they also feature in domestic List-A games.
Even if Kohli and Rohit choose to compete for a World Cup berth, they might not be available for the full Vijay Hazare Trophy season. The tournament, set for the December–January window, overlaps with India’s home ODI series against South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan.
BCCI Considering Kohli, Rohit For India ‘A’ ODIs Against Australia And South Africa In 2025
PTI reports that some BCCI officials believe Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could feature for India ‘A’ in the home ODI series against Australia ‘A’ from September 30, coinciding with the senior team’s West Indies series. A similar series is planned in November 2025 against South Africa ‘A’.
“Even if they play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, they would have already played six ODIs before that. Between the Australia and South Africa ODI series, there is an India A series against South Africa A with three List A games (50 overs) at Rajkot on November 13, 16, and 19,” a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity (via Hindustan Times).
“Now, the question is whether the duo will want to play those three A games, or possibly two, before the South Africa series. Even more important is whether Ajit Agarkar and his colleagues would want that,” he added.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where the Men in Blue clinched the title by defeating New Zealand in the final at Dubai.
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