Indian cricket superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma made a resounding return to the domestic circuit on Wednesday, both scoring commanding centuries to lead their teams to emphatic victories in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The seasoned campaigners, having stepped away from Test and T20I cricket, used the tournament to fine-tune their skills ahead of the upcoming New Zealand series, delivering performances that will reassure the national team management.
Rohit Sharma's Jaipur Spectacle
The excitement in Jaipur was palpable ever since Rohit Sharma arrived in the Pink City. The Rajasthan Cricket Association's decision to offer free entry to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium saw over 10,000 fans flocking to the venue from early morning, eager to secure the best seats. The former Indian captain did not let them down.
Chasing Sikkim's total of 237 for 6, Rohit launched an assault from the very first ball. He raced to a half-century in just 28 deliveries and went on to register his fastest-ever List A hundred. He bettered his own record of a 63-ball century set during the 2023 ODI World Cup against Afghanistan. His blistering innings of 155 runs off just 94 balls, decorated with 18 fours and nine sixes, powered Mumbai to an eight-wicket win in only 30.4 overs.
Virat Kohli's Clinical Display in Bengaluru
In contrast to the fanfare in Jaipur, Virat Kohli's masterclass unfolded in a near-empty stadium at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. With spectators not permitted, Kohli focused purely on the task at hand, guiding Delhi's chase of 299 runs with supreme authority. Leading from the front, his 131-run knock ensured the Rishabh Pant-led side defeated Andhra Pradesh by six wickets with more than 12 overs to spare, showcasing his trademark efficiency.
What's Next for the Stars?
Both legends have committed to their teams' first two matches in the tournament. Virat Kohli will next be seen in Delhi colours on December 26 when they face Gujarat at the same Bengaluru venue. However, it remains uncertain if the BCCI will livestream the match after facing criticism for not broadcasting Delhi's previous game.
Rohit Sharma will also be in action on December 26. He will lead Mumbai against Uttarakhand at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Given the overwhelming response to his first match, the Rajasthan Cricket Association might consider opening more blocks in the stadium to accommodate the expected crowd. Both matches are scheduled for a 9 AM IST start.
The triumphant return of both batters, marked by dominant hundreds, serves as a significant boost for Indian cricket. It not only highlights their unwavering commitment to staying match-fit but also sets a positive tone as the team prepares for future international challenges.
