Virat And Rohit: Is the Path to National Team Closed Permanently if they Don’t Play Domestic Cricket? Board Directives for Virat and Rohit

Mumbai: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were seen playing in the country’s jersey in the final match of the One Day series against Australia. Both batsmen also scored runs. However, to have the continuous opportunity to play in the One Day format in the national jersey, Rohit and Virat need to play domestic cricket. They have been given instructions to maintain their match fitness, according to sources.
After winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, both Virat and Rohit stepped down from the longer format. They are currently only playing in the One Day format. Earlier this year, before the England series, they had also decided to retire from Test cricket. In the final One Day match against Australia in Sydney, Virat Kohli scored 74 runs, while Rohit Sharma played an innings of 121 runs.
An unnamed board official revealed, ‘BCCI and team management have already informed the two star cricketers that they must play domestic cricket to have the opportunity to play in national jersey.’
Rohit Sharma has been encouraged by the Mumbai Cricket Association to play domestic cricket. He has also hinted that he is willing to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Virat Kohli is set to be seen against South Africa in the One Day series. However, he has also been advised to play domestic cricket.
This time in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, in the group stages, all their matches will be played in Jaipur, which means seven matches in total. Mumbai will host the Vijay Hazare Trophy on December 24, 26, 29, 31 and January 3, 6, 8.
A few days ago, a viral video emerged showing Rohit Sharma gearing up to play against South Africa in the One Day series. Rohit was seen training alongside Dhawal Kulkarni. Dhawal was seen giving advice to Rohit during the net practice. Rohit was also seen discussing with young players from Mumbai.
Against Australia in the One Day series, they scored 202 runs in three matches. Rohit played an innings of a hundred in Adelaide and a fifty in Sydney. Rohit broke his own record of the 33rd century in his ODI career.