The beginning of the year 2025 saw BCCI's 10-point diktat, aimed to end the 'star culture' within the dressing room. One of the disciplinary directives was prioritizing domestic cricket, pressing it to be the primary eligibility to get selected into the side. While younger players consistently returned to their state sides whenever not on India duty, the absence of senior stars, particularly Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, continued to fuel debate.
Putting all chatters to rest, the duo, alongside several other India regulars, returned to the Ranji Trophy last season in January. Rohit played against Jammu and Kashmir while Kohli faced Railways at home. However, what was their long-waited return for their respective states, turned out to be their final appearances in whites. A few months later, the stalwarts hung up their Test boosts and were available for ODIs only.
The three ODIs in Australia, followed by the ongoing series against South Africa, have clearly shown the benefits of players committing to a single format. But if the Indian cricket truly wants to curb the star culture, there can be no exceptions - even for its biggest names.
With the rule mandating domestic cricket applying to everyone, the duo has towed the line. While Rohit has already informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) about his availability for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy and may be available for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) has confirmed Virat Kohli's participation. However, it's yet to be seen how many games they are available for.
Meanwhile, News18 CricketNext have learned that both Rohit and Kohli will be playing the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy at their own will.
"Nobody has forced them to return to the domestic circuit. Both Rohit and Kohli have made themselves available for the Vijay Hazare Trophy on their own accord," said a top BCCI official.
Update on India's T20I Squad vs South Africa:
Shubman Gill is set to return for the South Africa T20Is, starting December 9 in Cuttack. The 25-year-old suffered a neck injury during the first Test against the Proteas in Kolkata and was ruled of the entire series followed by the subsequent ODIs.
As learned from a top BCCI official, the selection meeting was done in Raipur on Wednesday morning and Gill will be back as the team's vice-captain, subject to fitness.
"Gill has recovered fully and has been included in the squad. He will be back as vice-captain subject to fitness.