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Reports of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma refusing a BCCI order have created a buzz, but the reality is very simple. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have both withdrawn from their respective national team’s next round of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, sparking drama on social media.
Why Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma withdrew from Vijay Hazare Trophy after BCCI directive
The real reason why Virat Kohli and Rohit missed the remaining matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 has finally been revealed. Delhi are set to take on Railways at the KSCA Stadium in Bengaluru, while Mumbai will take on Himachal Pradesh on January 6 in Jaipur.
However, the former Indian captain will not participate in this round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy due to his national team duty. Both have been named in India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on January 11 in Vadodara.
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What was the BCCI’s directive towards 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 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, the BCCI made it clear to centrally contracted players that they need to play at least two matches in the tournament if they want to continue to be part of India’s ODI plans.
Kohli and Rohit adhered to BCCI diktat
The two legends of the modern era returned to Indian 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 as he smashed 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 fulfilled the requirements 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 fine form. The Delhi lad scored 131 off 101 balls against Andhra and followed it up with a quick 77 off 61 balls against Gujarat. In doing so, he also fulfilled the two-match requirement.
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The real reason: national duty
Kohli and Rohit’s decision to skip their teams’ final Vijay Hazare matches (starting January 6) was influenced by national duty. Not only these legends of the modern era, but all the players selected for the New Zealand series will miss the rest of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
As reported by Jagran News reporter, the Indian ODI team is scheduled 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 as a group for the home series, excluding them from the tournament.
The Indian ODI team will reach Baroda from 7th. The team will train by setting up a camp there. The first ODI will be played there on the 11th. Therefore, the player Vijay Hazare included in the squad will not participate.#INDvsNZ
– Abhishek Tripathi / Abhishek Tripathi (@abhisheraport) January 5, 2026
