Indian cricket’s senior duo, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, are expected to return to action in the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning January 11, 2026. Both players are set to warm up for the national duty by featuring in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier domestic one-day competition, which starts on December 24.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the tournament fits snugly between India’s ODI series against South Africa, scheduled from November 30 to December 6, and the home series against New Zealand. The move will allow the veterans to gain match practice and fine-tune their form before rejoining the national side. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) management has reiterated that top players must participate in domestic cricket whenever available, a directive aimed at strengthening the domestic circuit and maintaining player readiness.
Rohit and Virat’s participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy marks a notable moment in their illustrious careers. Rohit’s last appearance in the tournament came back in 2018, when he represented Mumbai in the semi-final against Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Kohli’s most recent outing in the event dates even further back to 2010, when a young 21-year-old captained Delhi against Services in Gurgaon. Their returns, after gaps of several years, are expected to draw significant attention.
Neither player was included in the India A squad for the ongoing South Africa A series, a clear indication that the focus is on their senior team comeback. Both last featured in India’s ODI series against Australia earlier this year, where they displayed glimpses of their class. Rohit bounced back from a modest start to notch up a commanding 121 not out in the final match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, while Kohli contributed a solid 74 from 81 deliveries in India’s nine-wicket win.
The two stalwarts also had brief stints in the Ranji Trophy earlier this year. Kohli returned to represent Delhi after 12 years, and Rohit turned out for Mumbai after a decade. Those matches, however, turned out to be their final red-ball appearances, as both players announced their retirement from Test cricket soon after.
Now, as the spotlight shifts back to the 50-over format, their presence in both the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the New Zealand series signals a renewed focus on ODIs. With the next ICC Champions Trophy looming in 2026, their participation could be a crucial step in shaping India’s experienced core for the tournament.
