The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reached out to cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, encouraging them to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26 if they want to keep representing India in ODIs down the line. After stepping away from T20Is last year and Test matches in May 2025, these two are currently focused solely on ODIs, with their last appearance being in the series against Australia. The Vijay Hazare Trophy, which is India’s domestic 50-over tournament, is set to kick off on December 24. BCCI urges Ro-Ko to play VHT for ODI future According to The Indian Express, Rohit has let the Mumbai Cricket Association know that he’s on board to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, there’s still some uncertainty regarding Kohli’s availability. A source mentioned to the publication that both players have been advised by the board to engage in domestic cricket to maintain their match fitness, especially since they’re only active in one format now. Here is what a BCCI source said: “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,” Read also: Eden Gardens on High Alert Ahead of India vs South Africa Test After Delhi Blast Chief selector Ajit Agarkar echoed this sentiment earlier, stating at a press conference that if players are available, they are expected to participate in domestic matches. “We have made it clear that if guys are free they should be playing domestic cricket,” Agarkar said. This year marked the return of the Ro-Ko duo to domestic cricket for the first time in years when they played in a Ranji Trophy match. In the recent IND vs AUS ODI series, Rohit scored 8, 73, and 121, while Kohli had a tough time with scores of 0, 0, and 74. In summary, Rohit Sharma’s choice to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy highlights his dedication to staying in shape for future ODIs. On the other hand, Virat Kohli’s involvement is still up in the air. With the BCCI emphasizing the significance of domestic cricket, both seasoned players will need to demonstrate their fitness and form. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if Kohli will join Rohit in the upcoming tournament starting December 24.