Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Blackmailed By BCCI To Play In Vijay Hazare Trophy? BCCI Responds

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's future in international cricket continues to be the talk of the town. Both the senior players have already retired from Tests and T20Is and are only playing in the 50-over format at present.

The former captains have looked in great form in recent times. Rohit Sharma was adjudged the Player of the Series for his brilliant batting display against Australia a few weeks ago before Virat Kohli bagged the same award in the recently-concluded three-match series against South Africa.

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Virat Kohli scored two centuries and an unbeaten fifty against the Proteas while Rohit Sharma scored two fifties as India clinched the series 2-1. Even though both the veteran batters have looked in great form in the last two series, there are still question marks over their future.

Amidst all the speculations, a rumour stated that both of them were being forced by the BCCI to play in this season's Vijay Hazare Trophy. A few months ago, the BCCI made it mandatory for the centrally contracted players to participate in domestic cricket when they are not a part of any international series.

'Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli have decided'

However, a BCCI official has put the rumours to the bed, saying that the board did not force Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in the domestic tournament. RevSportz has reported that the BCCI official shook his head when asked whether the board nudged the two seniors to play some domestic matches.

"They have decided, it’s their decision," the official said in his response.

Meanwhile, Kohli has already confirmed his participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy by informing the Delhi and District Cricket Association. DDCA President Rohan Jaitley recently confirmed that the former India captain would be playing in the tournament. On the other hand, Rohit is also expected to represent Mumbai in the same competition.

Gautam Gambhir on Rohit and Kohli's future:

Even though both Rohit and Kohli have done well in the last two series, head coach Gautam Gambhir has not delivered a clear cut statement on their future. He has remained tight-lipped on whether Rohit and Kohli would be playing the next ODI World Cup in 2027.

"They are world-class players and their experience is important in the dressing room. They’ve been doing it for a long time. Hopefully, they can continue doing the same, which is going to be important in the 50-over format,” said Gambhir.

"First you got to realise that the ODI World Cup is two years away. It’s important to stay in the present, and that young boys coming into the set-up grab their opportunities," he added.