The white-ball cricket world in India is about to get a massive jolt of star power. Forget just the emerging talents and seasoned domestic warriors—the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 is back, and this time, it’s headlined by none other than Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Their return isn’t just a nostalgic trip; it’s a direct result of a hardline policy from the BCCI, making this edition the most anticipated in recent memory. If you’re a cricket fan, you simply cannot afford to look away.
Table of Contents
- Why Kohli and Rohit Are Back: The BCCI’s Mandate
- Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Full Schedule, Groups & Teams
- Key Venues and How to Watch Every Ball
- Players to Watch: Beyond the Superstars
- Fantasy Cricket Tips for the Tournament
- Conclusion: A New Era for Indian Domestic Cricket?
Why Kohli and Rohit Are Back: The BCCI’s Mandate
For years, the biggest names in Indian cricket have been absent from the domestic circuit, focusing solely on international duty and lucrative T20 leagues. But a significant policy shift from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has changed the game. In a clear directive aimed at maintaining match fitness and a connection to the domestic roots, the BCCI has mandated that centrally contracted players must participate in domestic white-ball cricket to remain eligible for national team selection .
This move directly impacts legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are now laser-focused on the 2027 ODI World Cup. Their presence in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 is a powerful statement of intent . Kohli is set to don the Delhi jersey in Elite Group D, while Rohit will lead the charge for Mumbai in Elite Group C . This isn’t a token appearance; reports suggest they are expected to play at least the opening two matches of the tournament, providing a massive boost to the competition’s profile .
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Full Schedule, Groups & Teams
The tournament kicks off on December 24, 2025, and promises a packed schedule across two main tiers: Elite and Plate.
Tournament Structure
A record 38 teams from the Ranji Trophy will battle it out . The competition is split into two main sections:
- Elite Group: Divided into multiple sub-groups (A, B, C, D) featuring the strongest domestic sides like Karnataka, Mumbai, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu.
- Plate Group: Comprising the newer or less-resourced teams, providing a crucial platform for emerging talent from across the country.
The league stage will run from December 24, 2025, to January 8, 2026, followed by a series of knockout rounds culminating in the final on January 18, 2026 .
Key Venues and How to Watch Every Ball
The action will be spread across five major Indian cities, each hosting a cluster of matches. All games are scheduled for a 9:00 AM local start time .
Elite Group Venues
- Ahmedabad: Narendra Modi Stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium B Ground, Gujarat College Ground, and the ADSA Railways Cricket Ground.
- Bengaluru & Alur: Utilizing multiple grounds in the Karnataka capital region.
- Jaipur: The Rajasthan capital will host a full set of matches.
- Rajkot: Matches will be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
Where to Watch
Cricket fans can catch all the live action on the Star Sports Network, which holds the official broadcast rights. For those who prefer streaming, the matches will be available on Disney+ Hotstar. This ensures that every thrilling boundary and wicket from the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 is just a click away.
Players to Watch: Beyond the Superstars
While the return of Kohli and Rohit is the headline, the real magic of the Vijay Hazare Trophy lies in its role as a talent incubator. Keep an eye on these rising stars:
- Shubman Gill: The stylish opener will be looking to dominate for Punjab and cement his place as a future captain.
- Riyan Parag: After a stellar IPL, the all-rounder will aim to translate that form for Rajasthan.
- Emerging Bowlers: The tournament is a goldmine for spotting the next Jasprit Bumrah. Watch for pace talents from Vidarbha and spin wizards from Tamil Nadu.
This competition is where India’s next generation of ODI stars will announce themselves to the world .
Fantasy Cricket Tips for the Tournament
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 is a dream for fantasy cricket enthusiasts. With so many talented players across 38 teams, building a winning XI requires a mix of star power and smart picks.
- Target the Openers: With matches starting early in the day, top-order batsmen often get the best of the pitch. Kohli, Rohit, and Gill are prime choices.
- Don’t Sleep on Wicketkeepers: From the Plate group, keepers who bat in the top 4 can be high-scoring differential picks.
- Pace on Day 1: The new ball in the morning can be potent, so include a couple of frontline pacers from the Elite groups in your team.
For more in-depth fantasy analysis, you can check dedicated prediction platforms that offer player insights and pitch reports .
Conclusion: A New Era for Indian Domestic Cricket?
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 is far more than just a domestic 50-over tournament. It’s a statement from the BCCI about the importance of the domestic ecosystem and a rare opportunity for fans to see their heroes in action on home soil. With the likes of Kohli and Sharma returning, a massive talent pool on display, and a clear pathway to the 2027 World Cup, this edition promises to be a landmark event in Indian cricket history. Get ready for a festival of cricket that could shape the future of the national team.