Why Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are Missing from Vijay Hazare Trophy Round 3— Explained

Vijay Hazare Trophy Round 3: No Kohli, No Rohit — Here’s the Real Reason

Actually, there is a common misconception! Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have already returned to domestic cricket in the 2025-26 season. After years of focus on the international calendar, both legends participated in the opening rounds of the current Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) to fulfill a BCCI mandate and sharpen their skills for the 50-over format.

Fans across India were left surprised today when the team sheets for Round 3 of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26 were released. Despite a historic return to domestic cricket last week, both Virat Kohli (Delhi) and Rohit Sharma (Mumbai) were absent from their respective playing XIs on December 29, 2025.

Here is the breakdown of why they aren’t playing every game, their future roadmaps, and the stats from their recent domestic appearances.

The Return to the Roots

Why the “Big Two” are back in White (and Blue)

For the first time in over a decade for Kohli and seven years for Rohit, the domestic circuit buzzed with the presence of India’s greatest modern icons. If you noticed them missing from the recent Round 3 matches on December 29, 2025, it’s not because they “refused” to play—it’s because their mission was already accomplished.

The “Two-Match” Rule

In late 2024 and early 2025, the BCCI introduced a strict policy: centrally contracted players must participate in domestic cricket during gaps in the international schedule to remain eligible for selection.

• The Quota: Kohli and Rohit were expected to play a minimum of two domestic matches for their respective states (Delhi and Mumbai).

• The Absence: Having completed these matches in the first week of the tournament, both players have now stepped back to manage their workload before the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand in January 2026.

• Mission Accomplished: Both Kohli and Rohit have already completed their two-match quota in the opening rounds.

• Workload Management: Having fulfilled the requirement and proven their match fitness, the duo has been granted a “planned rest” to avoid burnout before the high-intensity international summer.

How Did They Perform? (Vijay Hazare 2025 Stats)

The “rust” from international breaks was quickly shaken off. Both legends proved they are still levels above the domestic competition in the 50-over format.

• Kohli’s Consistency: He smashed a 131 vs Andhra and a brisk 77 vs Gujarat, securing back-to-back Player of the Match awards.

• Rohit’s Fireworks: Rohit lit up Jaipur with a 155-run blitz against Sikkim but suffered a golden duck in his second game against Uttarakhand.

When is Kohli Returning?

For those missing the “King,” there is good news. While Rohit Sharma has reportedly wrapped up his domestic duties for the season to focus on the New Zealand series, Kohli has opted for one more outing.

Save the Date: Virat Kohli is scheduled to return for Delhi’s match against Railways on January 6, 2026, at the KSCA Ground in Alur.

This match will serve as his final dress rehearsal before the India vs. New Zealand ODI series begins on January 11.

The Future Plans: One Goal Remains

The participation in Vijay Hazare isn’t just about following rules; it’s about the 2027 ODI World Cup.

• Test Retirement: 2025 saw both Kohli and Rohit announce their retirement from Test cricket to prolong their white-ball careers.

• The 2027 Vision: Both players have publicly expressed their desire to win the one trophy that eluded them in 2023—the ODI World Cup in South Africa. By playing domestic 50-over cricket now, they are maintaining the “rhythm” required for the long format of the white-ball game.

• Immediate Schedule: They will next be seen leading India in the New Zealand ODI series starting January 11, 2026.

Analysis: A Win-Win for Indian Cricket

For Indian cricket, this is a cultural shift. By having Kohli and Rohit play domestic games:

1. Domestic Prestige: It elevates the status of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

2. Mentorship: Youngsters like Arjun Tendulkar and Dhruv Jurel get to share a field or dressing room with legends.

3. Fitness Benchmarking: It proves to the selectors that despite being 37 and 38, their hunger and physical fitness remain at peak levels.

The absence of the duo in Round 3 allows Delhi and Mumbai to test their bench strength while ensuring their stars are fresh for the national duty. Kohli’s decision to play a third game—one more than required—underscores his legendary “hunger” for runs, even at the twilight of his career.