Reports of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma refusing a BCCI order have created a buzz, but the reality is very simple. Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have opted out of their respective domestic team’s next round of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, which sparked drama on social media.
Why Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Opted Out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy After BCCI’s Directive
The real reason behind Virat Kohli and Rohit missing the remaining Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 matches has finally been revealed. Delhi are scheduled to take on Railways at the KSCA Stadium in Bengaluru, while Mumbai are set to face Himachal Pradesh on January 6 in Jaipur.
However, the former Indian captain will not take part in this round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy due to national team duty. Both have been named in the India squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting on January 11 in Vadodara.
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What Was the BCCI’s Directive to Centrally Contracted Players?
Both senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma followed the BCCI’s instructions exactly as they were told. Before the start of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, the BCCI clearly informed centrally contracted players that they must play at least two matches in the tournament if they wanted to remain part of India’s ODI plans.
Kohli and Rohit Adhered to BCCI’s Diktat
Both the modern-era legends returned to India’s premier 50-over cricket after a long time and made an instant impact with the bat for the Delhi and Mumbai teams.
Rohit returned to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after almost seven years. The Mumbaikar made an instant impact by smashing a brilliant 155 off just 94 balls against Sikkim. However, in the next match against Uttarakhand, the Hitman got out for a duck, but by then he had already completed the requirement set by the BCCI.
On the other hand, Kohli returned to the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time since 2010, and he looked in great touch. The Delhi lad scored a classy 131 off 101 balls against Andhra and followed it up with a quick 77 off 61 balls against Gujarat. With this, he also fulfilled the two-match requirement.
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The Real Reason: National Duty
The decision for Kohli and Rohit to skip their teams’ remaining Vijay Hazare fixtures (from January 6) was influenced by the national duty. Not just these modern-era legends, but all the players who have been picked for the New Zealand series will miss the remainder of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
As reported by Jagran News journalist, India’s ODI squad is required to assemble in Vadodara by January 7 for a preparatory camp, with the first ODI scheduled against New Zealand on January 11. The team will practice in a group for the home series, ruling them out of the tournament.
सात तारीख से बड़ौदा में भारतीय वनडे टीम पहुंच जाएगी। वहां कैंप लगाकर टीम अभ्यास करेगी। 11 को वहां पहला वनडे खेला जाएगा। इसलिए टीम में शामिल खिलाड़ी विजय हजारे भाग नहीं लेंगे।#INDvsNZ
— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) January 5, 2026
