Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s absence from today’s Vijay Hazare Trophy matches sparked widespread curiousity among fans, especially after reports suggested both senior batters were expected to feature. With no injury concerns reported and several other India stars taking the field, questions quickly followed: Why did Kohli and Rohit miss the match?
The answer, however, is straightforward and rooted in a BCCI mandate rather than any last-minute decision or fitness issue.
Virat Kohli was widely expected to turn up for Delhi, with reports even claiming that his kit had been travelling with the team. However, Delhi head coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed a day earlier that Kohli would not be playing the match.
Similarly, Rohit Sharma was expected to represent Mumbai in their game against Himachal Pradesh. While players like Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal were named in the playing XI, Rohit was not included, further adding to the confusion.
The key reason behind Kohli and Rohit’s absence lies in a BCCI guideline for centrally contracted players. According to the mandate, every national team player, if fit and available, is required to play a minimum of two matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Both Kohli and Rohit had already fulfilled this requirement.
Kohli featured in two matches earlier in the tournament, scoring a magnificent 131 against Andhra Pradesh and following it up with 77 against Gujarat, underlining his form and commitment.
Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, scored a commanding 155 against Sikkim, though he was dismissed for a duck against Uttarakhand in his second appearance. With two matches completed, both players had officially met the BCCI’s participation criteria.
With the India vs New Zealand ODI series set to begin on January 11, the Indian squad is expected to assemble in Vadodara on January 7, where the first ODI will be played. Given the packed international schedule and the importance of the upcoming series, it was always likely that Kohli and Rohit would step back after completing their domestic obligation.
There was no injury scare, no surprise exclusion, and no disciplinary issue. Kohli and Rohit had nothing left to prove in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and are now expected to be fully focused on the New Zealand series.
Fans can expect to see both legends back in action soon: refreshed, prepared, and ready for the next challenge.
