The domestic cricket scene in India just got a jolt of pure adrenaline. On a sun-drenched day across multiple venues, the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 delivered two unforgettable stories in one: a blistering, record-smashing century by a rising star—and the much-talked-about return of two of India’s biggest legends to the domestic fold.
Batters lit up the scoreboards, but none more than young opener Ritvik Suryavanshi, who stunned fans and stat-keepers alike with a scorching 36-ball hundred. Meanwhile, in Jaipur and Delhi, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepped back onto familiar domestic pitches—reigniting hopes, debates, and fantasy cricket lineups across the nation .
Table of Contents
- Suryavanshi’s 36-Ball Century: A New Domestic Record?
- Virat and Rohit Return to Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025
- Match Highlights: Mumbai vs Sikkim & Delhi vs Andhra
- Why Are Stars Playing Domestic Cricket in 2025?
- Fantasy and Selection Implications
- Conclusion: A New Era or a Nostalgic Flash?
- Sources
Suryavanshi’s 36-Ball Century: A New Domestic Record?
Playing for Chandigarh against Mizoram, 21-year-old Ritvik Suryavanshi didn’t just score runs—he rewrote the script. His 102 off just 36 balls included 11 sixes and 8 fours, at a strike rate of 283.33 .
If ratified by official records, this could be the fastest century in the history of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, surpassing the previous benchmark of 42 balls. More impressively, Suryavanshi reached his fifty in just 18 deliveries—the fastest of the tournament’s 23-year history .
“He wasn’t just hitting boundaries—he was reading length before the ball left the hand,” said a stunned commentator. “This wasn’t aggression; it was calculated demolition.”
Virat and Rohit Return to Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025
In what many assumed was a retirement path, both Virat Kohli (Delhi) and Rohit Sharma (Mumbai) have surprised fans by suiting up for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025. Their participation signals more than nostalgia—it’s a strategic move with long-term implications.
Virat Kohli, coming off a stellar T20 World Cup 2024, played a composed 48* against Andhra, showing he’s still hungry for runs. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma opted to practice rather than play immediately—but his presence at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium sparked massive fan turnout and even a selfie chaos incident .
While neither is guaranteed to play full tournaments, their involvement adds immense value:
- Boosts tournament visibility and ticket sales
- Provides mentorship to younger teammates
- Keeps them match-fit ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup
Match Highlights: Mumbai vs Sikkim & Delhi vs Andhra
Mumbai vs Sikkim: Mumbai posted a mammoth 352/5, with Sarfaraz Khan scoring a fluent 96. Sikkim was bowled out for 167, handing Mumbai a comfortable 185-run win .
Delhi vs Andhra: Delhi chased down 221 with ease, thanks to Dhruv Shorey’s 72 and Kohli’s unbeaten 48. Andhra’s top order collapsed against pace, highlighting their batting fragility .
These early results confirm a trend: teams with strong top orders and all-round depth are dominating—a crucial insight for [INTERNAL_LINK:vijay-hazare-fantasy-tips].
Why Are Stars Playing Domestic Cricket in 2025?
Historically, senior Indian players skipped domestic one-dayers post-2015. But 2025 marks a shift. Key reasons include:
- World Cup preparation: With the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, staying sharp in 50-over cricket is non-negotiable.
- BCCI’s new policy: The board now encourages veterans to “give back” by mentoring state teams.
- Personal motivation: Both Kohli and Rohit have hinted at finishing their careers on their own terms—not by fading away.
As former selector Saba Karim noted, “Domestic cricket is no longer just for rookies. It’s a proving ground for legacy.”
Fantasy and Selection Implications
For fantasy cricket managers, the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 is a goldmine:
- Prioritize openers like Suryavanshi and Sarfaraz Khan
- Monitor Kohli’s and Rohit’s form closely—they could return to the ODI setup
- Watch for all-rounders from strong teams (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Tamil Nadu)
From a selection standpoint, the BCCI national selectors are reportedly attending key matches. A big hundred here could fast-track a player to India A—or even the senior squad.
Conclusion: A New Era or a Nostalgic Flash?
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 has already delivered drama, records, and star power. But beyond the headlines, it’s a reflection of Indian cricket’s evolving identity—where veterans and newcomers coexist in a high-stakes proving ground.
Will Suryavanshi’s century be a flash in the pan or the launchpad of a new star? Will Kohli and Rohit spark one last ODI renaissance? One thing’s certain: India’s domestic season has never been this compelling.