Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from Test and T20Is, and the only format they are active in is the ODI format, where they remain central figures in India’s long-term plans. However, the BCCI has taken a firm stance, asking both the players to feature in domestic cricket in order to keep themselves fit.
Meanwhile, according to the India Express, former Indian captain Rohit Sharma has informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) that he will be available to represent Mumbai in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, marking his return to domestic cricket after a long time. While Rohit has made his intentions clear, there remains uncertainty over Virat Kohli’s availability.
"The board and team management have conveyed to both of them that they will have to play domestic cricket if they want to play for India. As they both have retired from two formats, they have to play domestic cricket to be match fit," sources in the BCCI told The Indian Express.
The Indian batters were recently seen in a three-match ODI series against Australia, where they once again showed their batting capabilities. Rohit Sharma battled through a challenging start to score 73 and 121* in the last two games. Virat Kohli, who registered consecutive ducks, roared back to form in the final ODI, slamming 74 unbeaten.