Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma might skip the Vijay Hazare Trophy and instead feature in India A matches to remain in contention for the ODI World Cup 2027, according to recent BCCI discussions.
Both senior players retired from T20Is and Tests. Now, they focus only on the ODI format. Their next chance to play is before India’s ODI series against Australia in October 2025. India A games could play a key role in assessing their form and fitness.
A PTI report says some in the BCCI prefer India A games over the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This is because international schedules overlap with the domestic tournament.
A BCCI source said, “Even if they play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, they would have already played six ODIs before that.”
The Vijay Hazare Trophy starts on December 24, 2025. But India faces Australia and South Africa in ODIs before then. The India vs New Zealand ODI series on January 11, 14, and 18 clashes with the Vijay Hazare schedule. This limits their availability for the tournament.
Instead, a home India A series against Australia A is scheduled for September 30, October 3, and October 5 in Kanpur. These matches happen during India’s Test series against the West Indies.
BCCI insiders feel this is the best chance for Kohli and Rohit to prove their match readiness. The final call lies with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee.
The source added, “The question is whether the duo will play those A games before the South Africa series. It’s Agarkar’s call.”
Another India A series against South Africa A is scheduled for November 13, 16, and 19 in Rajkot. These matches add more 50-over games for selection evaluation.
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