Rohit Sharma will play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy after the ODI series in Sri Lanka

Rohit Sharma is set to feature in Mumbai in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, with The Indian Express reporting that the former Indian captain has informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) of his availability for the domestic 50-over competition in December.

The development comes as India looks to give its senior players more opportunities to perform in domestic cricket ahead of the ODI World Cup in 2027. Rohit is expected to join Mumbai after India’s three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled for December 13-19.

The league stage of the Vijay Hazare Trophy begins on December 14 and runs until December 29, meaning the 38-year-old could be available for the second leg of the group stage. The knockout matches are scheduled from January 2 to 8. However, the number of matches he will play for Mumbai remains unclear.

An MCA source said, “He has informed us that he will play for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and that he will be considered available after India’s three-ODI series against Sri Lanka at home. He will let us know how many matches he will be available for later.”

ROHIT SHARMA MIXED OUTING LAST SEASON

This will be Rohit’s second consecutive appearance at the Vijay Hazare Trophy after returning to the competition last season for the first time since 2018. The veteran opener featured in two matches for Mumbai in Jaipur where he produced a spectacular performance in his first match against Sikkim.

Rohit smashed 155 off just 94 deliveries, giving Mumbai a flying start with an innings full of boundaries and sixes. However, he failed to carry that momentum into his next appearance and fell for a golden duck against Uttarakhand two days later.

These two outings offered a glimpse of his destructive batting ability while underlining the importance of getting more practice in the 50-over format.

Ahead of his domestic engagement, Rohit is set to feature in India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand starting on November 4 in Auckland. The senior batsman has already started his preparations, returning to the nets alongside Virat Kohli ahead of the series.

With the World Cup on the horizon, the New Zealand engagement and subsequent domestic performances will provide valuable opportunities for Rohit to hone his game.

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