Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli asked to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy to save their international careers

Although it was anticipated that the two, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, would be selected for India's three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in Australia from October 19 to 25, Shubman Gill was unexpectedly promoted to captain of the team. The eventual unification of the captaincy under Gill was always certain, but the date of his replacement of Rohit was a topic of discussion.

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The top position was given to Shubman Gill by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, which dismissed Rohit Sharma as the ODI captain. Even though Rohit led the Men in Blue to victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy, the committee chose to replace the captain. Rohit's final match as captain of India was the CT final.

This year, India will play three ODIs against South Africa following their three matches against Australia. There would be a couple more next year. Since the two don't play international cricket at this time, how do they maintain their form? Playing domestic cricket is the solution, and top selector Ajit Agarkar stated unequivocally that the two must compete in the Vijay Hazare Trophy if they are unable to play other formats.

Ajit Agarkar stated at the press conference announcing India's teams for the forthcoming tour of Australia that players ought to play domestic cricket if they have free time. "We have made it clear that if guys are free they should be playing domestic cricket," he said.

According to this argument, cricket players who currently only play in the IPL and ODIs, like as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, ought to participate in a competition like the Vijay Hazare Trophy. That being said, there is no assurance that they will be spotted taking part.

Their future in the format may be greatly influenced by Kohli and Rohit's performances in the forthcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, after they withdrew from Test cricket earlier this year and T20Is after winning the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.

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