JuicyTalk
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 will be historic as Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who now only feature in the ODI format, will feature in the tournament after respective long years. This comeback is a strategic move for the preparation of the upcoming New Zealand ODI series and to keep themselves match-fit for the ultimate goal: the ODI World Cup 2027 trophy. Their participation marks a rare return to their roots, offering a massive boost to the domestic circuit and providing fans a glimpse of the legends in state colors. As the tournament kicks off on December 24, all eyes will be on how these modern-day greats transition back to the domestic 50-over grind.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
1. Virat Kohli: Delhi (Elite Group D)
Kohli returns to represent Delhi after a 15-year gap in this tournament. He is confirmed to feature in the opening stages held in Bengaluru.
Availability & Fixtures
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time |
| Dec 24, 2025 | vs Andhra | M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 9:00 AM IST |
| Dec 26, 2025 | vs Gujarat | M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 9:00 AM IST |
Vijay Hazare Record & Stats
- Total Runs: 819
- Matches: 14
- Average: 68.25
- Strike Rate: 106.08
- Centuries/Fifties: 4 / 3
- Last Appearance (Before 2025): His final match was in February 2010 against Services at the Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI) Ground, Gurgaon. In that game, he scored 8 runs off 16 balls while leading the side.
- Legacy: His most prolific season was 2008-09, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 534 runs, including a blistering 124 off 82 balls against Haryana.
2. Rohit Sharma: Mumbai (Elite Group C)
The Indian captain will join the Mumbai squad for their initial fixtures in Jaipur. Under the captaincy of Shardul Thakur, Rohit will look to get crucial time in the middle before the international season resumes.
Availability & Fixtures
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time |
| Dec 24, 2025 | vs Sikkim | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 9:00 AM IST |
| Dec 26, 2025 | vs Uttarakhand | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 9:00 AM IST |
Vijay Hazare Record & Stats
- Total Runs: 581
- Matches: 18
- Average: 38.00
- Strike Rate: 90.8
- Centuries/Fifties: 3/1
- Last Appearance (Before 2025): Rohit last played on October 17, 2018, in the Semi-final against Hyderabad in Bengaluru. He scored 17 runs in a rain-affected match that Mumbai won.
- Impact: Rohit has a storied history with Mumbai; in his last full season (2018-19), he played a match winning unbeaten knock against Bihar in the Quarter-finals just days before his final appearance, eventually helping Mumbai clinch the title.
Also READ: Mumbai announces squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy; Rohit Sharma makes historic return
