Drama is increasing in the Indian cricket team as tension increases over the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Relations are said to be cooling between Virat Kohli and India head coach Gautam Gambhir, with disagreements over the batting superstar’s approach to preparation and participation in domestic cricket.
As per NDTV report, Rohit Sharma has already confirmed his availability for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, and he is also set to play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 2025 after the conclusion of the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa to maintain his match fitness.
Virat Kohli’s refusal to play in Vijay Hazare Trophy has created challenges for BCCI.
However, Kohli has reportedly refused to take part in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, as he believes “extreme preparation” is not necessary. The former Indian captain has been living in London with his family since the beginning of this year and visits India only for national duty.
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This difference in approach has put the BCCI in a difficult position, as they are reluctant to make exceptions even for a player of Kohli’s stature. The BCCI insists that all players follow the same rules and Kohli’s refusal is at odds with Rohit’s desire to participate.
NDTV quoted a BCCI source as saying, “The issue is related to Vijay Hazare Trophy. He (Kohli) does not want to play. When Rohit [Sharma] How can there be an exception for a player who is also playing? And what do we say to other players? Is there anyone different from all of you? ,
Virat Kohli wants to prepare for ODI in his own way
The Indian selection committee has been motivating players to participate in domestic tournaments by emphasizing serious fairness and team culture. Both Rohit and Kohli had previously played Ranji Trophy after a disappointing Test series in Australia.
Although Rohit is ready to continue doing so, Kohli has openly made it clear that he is relying on his strong foundation and focusing only on ODI cricket after he played a brilliant inning of 135 to help India win by 17 runs in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi.
Kohli had said at the post-match presentation in Ranchi: “I never believe in too much preparation. My entire cricket has been mental. As long as my fitness level is up, I work very hard physically, and then you imagine batting and feeling good, it’s good.”
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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are constantly being criticized
On the other hand, with the ICC World Cup 2027 around the corner, the debate over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s place in the ODI team has intensified, but many experts and fans believe that now is the time to let these two superstars do what they do best: destroy bowling attacks in their powerful yet contrasting styles.
Many believe that the current Indian think tank should work on creating a clear blueprint for India to better handle spin attacks in Tests, identify a core group of specialist players and draw a roadmap for the future after recent struggles.
But Gambhir and Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar are constantly checking on Rohit and Kohli, especially with the World Cup still a few months away. If discussions about the future of the veterans are necessary, they can be planned after the T20 World Cup 2026. With no ODI matches between mid-January and mid-July, there is no reason to rush into a decision.
