Rohit Sharma, who is the former India captain has formally notified the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) about his presence in the forthcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy as per the rule set out by the BCCI that required senior players to play domestic cricket in order to stay eligible in the future India ODI selections and the 2027 World Cup.
The move by Rohit is made only a few weeks following a robust message by the BCCI that even the experienced cricketers have to win their way into the team by doing well in domestic matches. His involvement will strengthen the campaign of Mumbai which starts on December 24, when there is no other domestic window of one-day matches to play other than the home ODI series of India against South Africa (December 39) and New Zealand (since January 11).
On the contrary, Virat Kohli is yet to be confirmed to be available. Apparently, the 37-year-old, who is presently living in London has not got across to the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) with regard to his intentions. The silence of Kohli has raised speculations on whether the former will participate in the ODI arrangement of India in future.
Both Rohit and Kohli called their retirement in Tests and T20 Internation and decided to concentrate only on 50-over format. The BCCI and the management of the team have however repeated the same argument that even the established stars need to take part in domestic tournaments to remain match ready and keep their selection eligibility.
Rohit has recently demonstrated the stellar form in the Australia ODIs by receiving the Player of the Series award with a half-century and a century in the two final games. With two ducks in a row, Kohli came back to shape with a not lost fifty in the last match.
Interestingly, Rohit, the last representative of Mumbai in Ranji Trophy last year who made a comeback to Randhia in the Ranji Trophy in early 2010, is also considering playing in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, beginning November 26. This 38-year-old has been working extremely hard at Sharad Pawar Indoor Academy and this is a good indication that he is willing to give his full support to the long-term ODI roadmap of India.
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