BCCI Issue Ultimatum to Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma for ODI Return

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of India's most experienced cricketers, are in the final stages of their cricket career. The duo has already retired from Tests and T20Is but are still active players in the 50-over format. However, they might struggle to make the Indian ODI team, given their age and the team's management's vision. Their future in the Indian ODI team could depend on their willingness to take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025.

Virat and Rohit last played for India in the Champions Trophy 2025, and played a key role in the title win. While Kohli scored 218 runs in 5 innings at an average of 54.50, Rohit scored 180 runs in 5 innings at a strike rate of 100.00. Kohli played a key role in India's win against Australia in the semifinal and Rohit was instrumental in India's win in the final against New Zealand.

Will Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Play Vijay Hazare Trophy?

Despite performing well in the Champions Trophy 2025, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's spots in the Indian Team might not be guaranteed. According to Dainik Jagran, with neither Kohli nor Rohit Sharma having enough game time, they might not walk into the team as the first-choice batters. With age not being on the side, Virat Kohli ODI future is not certain as well as Rohit Sharma ODI future.

Hence, the BCCI wants the duo to take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which will take place in December 2025, to prove their game time. Vijay Hazare Trophy is a premier 50-over domestic tournament in the country. India's upcoming ODI assignment is against Australia in their backyard, and the experienced duo might be doubtful to be a part of it. Hence, taking part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 could be necessary for the star players.

Both players have dominated the 50-over format and have been among the best ODI batters in the world for a long time. However, BCCI's latest ultimatum could pave the way for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Vijay Hazare Trophy return after several years.

Why did Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma Retire from Tests?

The report also hinted at the reasons behind Virat and Rohit's retirement from the longest format of the game. It is being claimed that the duo wanted to be a part of India's Test squad for the tour of England. However, the selectors indicated the possibility of them not being picked for the series, which prompted their decision to announce a sudden retirement.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are one had a poor run of form in Tests in 2024 and did not bat well in the some series against New Zealand series. They also failed to put up big scores in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25. Their failures in the series were one of the reasons behind India's embarrassing defeats in both the series.

Both Kohli and Rohit have been the stalwarts of Indian cricket for more than a decade now. Both have been among the best batters in the world since the last two decades. For a long time, the duo had been unable to win an ICC trophy despite performing excellently in these events. However, they finally achieved back to back successes with victories in the T20 World Cup 2025 and the Champions Trophy 2025, as India won both the titles.