Indian cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are likely to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy before joining the squad for the New Zealand ODI series in January. Reports indicate that both senior batters are expected to play at least three, possibly four, games for their respective domestic sides — Mumbai and Delhi — to regain competitive rhythm ahead of the home series. The gap between India’s last ODI against South Africa on December 6 in Visakhapatnam and the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11 in Vadodara offers a five-week window. Within that period, the Vijay Hazare Trophy is scheduled to commence on December 24. With six rounds planned — on December 24, 26, 29, 31, and January 3, 6, and 8 — selectors reportedly want both players to participate in a few fixtures before rejoining the national setup. A senior BCCI official, quoted by PTI, said, “Rohit will be expected to at least play three rounds before linking up with the squad. Ditto for Virat.” The move aligns with the selectors’ renewed insistence that all centrally contracted cricketers, if fit and available, must contribute to domestic competitions. Selectors seek form assurance ahead of 2027 ODI cycle Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar has earlier reiterated the importance of domestic participation as part of the selection yardstick. The participation of Rohit and Kohli is also seen as a step to ensure match readiness, given their long-term prospects for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ravichandran Ashwin, on his YouTube channel, supported the idea of involving senior players in competitive cricket outside the international circuit. He remarked, “If you need their services, you have to find a way. For example, the India ‘A’ series happened… If not this series, then they have to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, because that will let us know the kind of form you are in.” The duo’s involvement in the domestic 50-over tournament would be their first since early 2021, marking a crucial stage in India’s roadmap to balance experience with emerging talent before the New Zealand ODIs.