Shamik Chakrabarty, Mumbai
On October 4, RevSportz reported that going ahead, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will have to play domestic cricket to be considered for India selection. Now, Rohit has reportedly made himself available for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, commencing on December 24. There’s no information as yet regarding Kohli’s future plans.
Last month, at the team selection press conference for the white-ball series in Australia, chief selector Ajit Agarkar made it clear, without taking names, that turning up for domestic cricket would be mandatory for every player. “I think we have made it clear a couple of years back now that whenever the guys are available, they should be playing domestic cricket. That’s the only way you will keep yourself sharp if you have got a long enough break. Whether that’s possible with international cricket, if you are playing or not, that only time will tell. But if guys are free, they should be playing domestic cricket,” Agarkar had said.
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According to sources, the selectors and the Indian team management wanted Rohit and Kohli to play the 50-over series between India A and Australia A in the lead-up to the three ODIs in Australia. The two superstars, though, were reportedly reluctant. They went to Australia after a seven-month international hiatus, but Rohit returned from Down Under as the Player of the Series, scoring 73 in Adelaide followed by 121 not out in Sydney. Kohli, too, returned to form in the final ODI, on the heels of back-to-back ducks, making 74 not out off 81 balls.
India’s next 50-over assignment is a three-match home ODI series against South Africa from November 30. Both Rohit and Kohli are expected to be in the squad. A three-match ODI series against New Zealand in January is next. But before that, there is the small matter of playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
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