Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma Skip Vijay Hazare Trophy: Inside the Star Players’ Limited Domestic Commitment

Big names, brief cameos. That’s the story of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the 2025 Vijay Hazare Trophy. While fans were thrilled to see the two legends don the whites for their state teams—Delhi and Mumbai, respectively—their presence was fleeting. Both players have now officially opted out of the remainder of the tournament, having committed to appear in only the first two matches .

So, why are two of India’s greatest batsmen stepping away from one of the country’s premier domestic List A competitions? Is this a sign of shifting priorities, evolving player management strategies, or simply smart workload planning? Let’s break it all down.

Table of Contents

• The Facts: Who Is Playing and Who Isn’t
• Why Virat and Rohit Are Sitting Out the Vijay Hazare Trophy
• The Bigger Picture: Star Players and Domestic Cricket
• How Delhi and Mumbai Are Coping Without Their Superstars
• What This Means for Indian Cricket’s Future
• Conclusion: Balancing Legacies and Responsibilities
• Sources

The Facts: Who Is Playing and Who Isn’t

As of late December 2025, Delhi and Mumbai have both begun their Vijay Hazare Trophy campaigns. However, neither team will feature their biggest stars for the bulk of the tournament. Kohli played in Delhi’s opening fixtures but has since withdrawn. Similarly, Rohit Sharma, who captained Mumbai in their first two games, is no longer part of the squad .

Mumbai is now set to face Chhattisgarh at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground in Jaipur, while Delhi takes on Saurashtra at the Karnataka Cricket Association (KSCA) Stadium in Alur—both matches proceeding without their marquee players .

Why Virat and Rohit Are Sitting Out the Vijay Hazare Trophy

The decision wasn’t made on a whim. Both players had communicated their limited availability to their state associations and the BCCI well in advance. Their plan was always to play just the first couple of matches—a gesture of support for their home teams and fans—before stepping away to focus on other priorities.

Several key factors are behind this move:

• Workload Management: At ages 37 (Kohli) and 38 (Sharma), both players are in the twilight of their careers. Managing their physical and mental workload is critical to prolonging their international stints, especially with major ICC events on the horizon.
• Preparation for International Duties: India has a packed 2026 calendar, including bilateral white-ball series and likely a T20 World Cup warm-up phase. The players are using this window to fine-tune their fitness and technique in controlled environments rather than full-fledged domestic tournaments.
• Personal Recovery Time: After the high-intensity 2024–25 season, which included the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and multiple T20 leagues, both athletes are taking calculated rest periods.

Notably, this approach is aligned with BCCI’s own player workload protocols, which have become more structured in recent years—especially for senior players.

The Bigger Picture: Star Players and Domestic Cricket

The limited participation of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Vijay Hazare Trophy reflects a broader trend in modern cricket. Gone are the days when international stars regularly headlined domestic tournaments throughout the season. Today, it’s about strategic appearances.

Compare this to the 2000s, when players like Sachin Tendulkar or Rahul Dravid would often play full domestic seasons. The game has changed. With congested international calendars, franchise leagues (like the IPL, SA20, and ILT20), and increased focus on longevity, elite players are now far more selective. This isn’t a lack of commitment—it’s evolved professionalism.

According to ESPNcricinfo, “The role of domestic cricket for established stars is now more symbolic than competitive—they’re there to inspire, not to grind through every fixture” .

How Delhi and Mumbai Are Coping Without Their Superstars

Despite the absence of their biggest names, both Delhi and Mumbai remain strong contenders. These teams are talent-rich and historically dominant in Indian domestic cricket. In fact, their leadership and depth have long been their strength—not reliance on one or two icons.

For Delhi, young guns like Dhruv Shorey and Pratham Singh are stepping up. In Mumbai, the likes of Sarfaraz Khan and Shams Mulani are carrying the mantle. This is also a golden opportunity for fringe players to impress national selectors.

As one Mumbai coach noted, “Having Rohit around for two games lifted morale and set the tone. Now it’s about the next generation proving they belong.”

What This Means for Indian Cricket’s Future

The selective participation of senior players in events like the Vijay Hazare Trophy isn’t just about them—it’s a systemic shift with long-term implications:

• Youth Development: Less reliance on legends forces state teams to blood new talent, accelerating the development cycle.
• Selector Accountability: Performance in domestic cricket without star crutches gives selectors a clearer view of who can handle pressure.
• Sustainability: Smart scheduling helps extend the careers of India’s biggest match-winners, ensuring they’re fresh for high-stakes international games.

This model, already practiced by countries like Australia and England, is now firmly taking root in India.

Conclusion: Balancing Legacies and Responsibilities

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma skipping the bulk of the Vijay Hazare Trophy isn’t a snub to domestic cricket—it’s a reflection of modern elite athlete management. Their brief appearances honored their roots, while their exits prioritize national duty and personal longevity. For fans, it’s a bittersweet trade-off. But for Indian cricket’s ecosystem, it might just be the smartest play of all.

Want more insights on India’s domestic scene? Check out our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:vijay-hazare-trophy-2025-team-preview].

Sources

• Times of India. (2025). Why Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not playing Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/why-virat-kohli-and-rohit-sharma-are-not-playing-vijay-hazare-trophy-matches/articleshow/126223797.cms
• ESPNcricinfo. (2025). Workload management and the future of India’s veteran players. https://www.espncricinfo.com
• BCCI. (2025). Playing Conditions and Player Availability Guidelines – Domestic Season 2025-26.