Cricket fans, get ready for a nostalgic treat! Indian superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are reportedly set to don their state colors once again in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy—India’s premier domestic 50-over tournament. While neither will play the full campaign, their limited appearances promise to light up the competition and offer a rare glimpse of the legends in domestic action.
Vijay Hazare Trophy: A Rare Comeback for Kohli and Sharma
The Vijay Hazare Trophy has long been a breeding ground for future stars, but this season, it’s set to welcome two of India’s most decorated players back to their roots. Virat Kohli, representing Delhi, hasn’t played the tournament since 2010. Rohit Sharma, captaining Mumbai, last featured in 2018. Their return—even for just a few matches—signals a powerful message about the importance of domestic cricket and player workload management ahead of international commitments.
Where Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Play?
Here’s what fans need to know about their participation:
- Virat Kohli (Delhi): Delhi’s group-stage matches will be held in Bengaluru. Kohli is expected to join the squad for select games, likely during the latter half of the group stage or knockout rounds, depending on his fitness and national team schedule.
- Rohit Sharma (Mumbai): Mumbai will be based in Jaipur for their group fixtures. The Indian captain is slated to play a couple of matches, possibly to regain match rhythm or support his state team during crucial encounters.
Why Their Return Matters
Beyond the excitement, Kohli and Sharma’s participation carries deeper significance:
- Boosting Domestic Cricket: Their presence elevates the tournament’s profile, drawing media attention and inspiring young players sharing the field with icons.
- Workload Transition: After intense international schedules, short domestic stints offer a controlled environment to stay match-fit without the pressure of global scrutiny.
- Legacy Connection: Both players built their careers on domestic performances. Kohli scored a double century in the Ranji Trophy at 19; Rohit’s 2009 Vijay Hazare century for Mumbai was a turning point in his career.
Vijay Hazare Trophy Participation History
To put their comeback in perspective, here’s a quick look at their past involvement:
| Player | Last Vijay Hazare Appearance | Team | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 2010 | Delhi | Scored 113 vs Railways in semifinal |
| Rohit Sharma | 2018 | Mumbai | Slammed 143 vs Tamil Nadu |
How to Watch Their Matches
While the BCCI hasn’t confirmed live broadcast details for all group games, matches featuring star players like Kohli and Sharma are likely to be streamed on the BCCI’s official YouTube channel or regional sports networks. Fans in Bengaluru and Jaipur should keep an eye on local stadium ticketing announcements—attending in person could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.