Shubman Gill speaks on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s participation in Vijay Hazare Trophy
It’s evening in Sydney, the stands are frozen in anticipation, and on the field are two masters of their craft – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Their indomitable set of 168 runs in the 3rd ODI, which literally pulverized the Australian bowlers, was the loudest statement heard by all. But behind this brilliance lies a question that haunts every fan: what’s next? Shubman Gill speaks on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s participation in Vijay Hazare Trophy.
A legendary duo and an unanswered question
This brilliant victory with nine wickets to spare and 69 balls remaining unused is certainly sweet. But, you know how it is: after the most spectacular fireworks display there comes silence. And in that silence, a disturbing note can be heard. Despite all their skill, the series against Australia occasionally showed those lapses that are inevitable when there’s a lack of match practice. Let’s face it, athletes only play ODIs these days. Tests and T20Is are a thing of the past. Where can they get that very gaming tone, that sharpness that will not allow the form to fade away?
Shubman Gill speaks on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s participation in Vijay Hazare Trophy: decision postponed
And here comes the young captain, Shubman Gill, who, in his first match as the leader of an ODI team, received not just a victory, but also two cricket mentors in the persons of Kohli and Rohit. “It’s been an incredible help,” Gill shares, his words dripping with genuine emotion. “I can always go to them and ask about anything. It’s such a relief to know they’re there.”
But now he faces a more complex task than just a tactical decision in the middle of the innings. The entire cricketing world is speculating on whether the legends will ever see the humble Vijay Hazare Trophy pitch in December 2025. Just imagine: Kohli and Rohit, these superstars who shine on world stadiums, suddenly taking to the field for their national team. Sounds a little surreal, doesn’t it?
Yes, Shubman Gill speaks on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s participation in Vijay Hazare Trophy, but he’s not rushing to reveal any details. “We haven’t had any discussions right now,” he cautiously answers reporters. “There’s not much time left before the series with South Africa. But there is a small gap between the series with South Africa and New Zealand. After South Africa, we’ll discuss how best to keep the players fit.”
Do you feel what a game this is? Neither “yes” nor “no”. Pure diplomacy. But between the lines there is a very clear signal that the option of a home tournament is on the table, and it is very likely. The situation is further fueled by a statement from selector committee chief Ajit Agarkar, who wants all players with central contracts to play for their home states when the schedule allows.
There’s a huge gap in the calendar at stake. After three matches against South Africa, starting on November 30, India has no ODIs until January 2026. A month and a half is like an eternity for a professional athlete. And Vijay Hazare is the perfect testing ground to prove to everyone, especially himself, that the fire within him still burns brightly.
No one knows yet. The decision has been delayed, discussions are ahead. But one thing is certain: every time they appear on the field, be it in Sydney or Surat, it is already an event. And if we see Virat and Rohit in their national colors this winter, it will be more than just a match. It will be a message that love for cricket knows no ranks.
