Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are tipped for a domestic return ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand in January next year, provided the Indian batting duo have the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. Having already retired from T20Is and Tests, both Rohit and Virat returned to the Indian ODI setup for the Australian tour with no match practice for four months.

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar had made it clear that every centrally contracted player, who is fit and available, is required to play domestic cricket. The directive falls directly for Rohit and Kohli considering the fact that they won’t be playing international games throughout the year.

After the conclusion of the ODI series against South Africa on December 6, and the start of the New Zealand series on January 11, there will be at least six rounds of Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for both Delhi and Mumbai. The national selectors are expecting that the ageing duo will be playing in at least three games in the 50-over event.

“The Vijay Hazare Trophy starts on December 24. There will be six rounds of games for Mumbai (December 24, 26, 29, 31, Jan 3, 6, 8). Rohit will be expected to at least play three rounds before linking up with the squad. Ditto for Virat,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.