The narrative surrounding the ODI futures of Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has taken a dramatic turn. After months of speculation about their motivation and form, the veteran batters delivered a powerful response on the domestic circuit, underlining their enduring class and commitment to the game.
From Doubt to Dominance: The Domestic Cricket Mandate
The debate was ignited in October 2025 when BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, while announcing India's squad for the Australia series, revealed that both Kohli and Rohit were "non-committal" about the 2027 ODI World Cup. Having already retired from T20Is and Tests, questions arose about how the pair, aged 38 and nearly 37, would maintain match fitness and sharpness during extended breaks from international cricket.
These concerns seemed validated during the initial ODIs against Australia, a series that followed a seven-month gap from international cricket and nearly four months without any professional match. Visible rust affected both players, with Kohli struggling and Rohit appearing tentative, leading to whispers about time finally catching up.
The Turning Point: A Familiar Partnership and Domestic Rule
However, the tide began to shift in the third ODI against Australia. Though India had lost the series, the sight of Rohit and Kohli batting together in a familiar, steadying partnership offered reassurance. This momentum carried into the subsequent series against South Africa, where Kohli showcased crisp footwork and timing, and Rohit found fluency, ending with a confident fifty.
Simultaneously, a new BCCI rule mandating participation in domestic tournaments for centrally contracted players placed the spotlight squarely on the two icons. The question was whether they would merely comply or make a statement.
Emphatic Answer in the Vijay Hazare Trophy
On December 24, 2025, they provided a resounding answer. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, both batsmen played innings of sheer authority that transcended mere runs.
Virat Kohli, playing his first match in the tournament since the 2009-10 season, blasted 131 runs off just 101 balls for Delhi against Andhra. During this knock, he achieved a monumental milestone, becoming the fastest batsman ever to reach 16,000 runs in List A cricket. It was his 58th List A century.
Not to be outdone, Rohit Sharma, returning to the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time since 2017-18, unleashed a brutal 155 off a mere 94 deliveries for Mumbai.
Yet, the story was about more than statistics. Their decision to turn out for their domestic sides after such long absences, and the manner of their performances, highlighted an undiminished passion and a clear intent to remain relevant at the highest level.
The very next day, however, cricket's fickle nature was on display as Rohit was dismissed for a golden duck by Uttarakhand's Devendra Singh Bora in Mumbai's following game. This minor setback does little to overshadow the powerful message sent just 24 hours prior.
The centuries in Jaipur were a testament to their professionalism, focus, and an unwavering hunger. While the road to the 2027 World Cup is long, Kohli and Rohit have made it abundantly clear that they are far from finished, reaffirming their status as a formidable force in India's ODI setup.
