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Virat Kohli during a training session amid growing debate over his Vijay Hazare Trophy availability. Photo: X.
Indian cricket finds itself at a crossroads after Virat Kohli reportedly refused to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy despite repeated nudges from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The former India captain’s decision, contrasting sharply with Rohit Sharma’s confirmed availability, has forced the board into an uncomfortable spotlight, raising serious questions about uniformity, internal equations, and the evolving vision for Indian cricket’s future. What initially emerged as a mere selection dilemma has now escalated into a deeper narrative involving player autonomy, team management expectations, and widening cracks between Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
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Kohli’s Stand: A Strategic Choice or a Silent Statement?
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Sources indicate that Kohli has conveyed his unwillingness to play the domestic one-day competition, citing his long-established philosophy against “excessive preparation.” After the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi, Kohli reiterated his belief in mental readiness over repetitive match practice, saying his cricket has always been about strong visualization and fitness-driven preparation.
While this personal approach has long defined Kohli’s success, the timing of his refusal—at a stage when BCCI is pushing senior players to strengthen the domestic structure—has intensified scrutiny.
The disparity becomes more evident considering Rohit Sharma’s proactive stance. Rohit has not only confirmed his participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy but also made himself available for the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament to maintain rhythm and match fitness.
BCCI’s Dilemma: No Exceptions, Even for Virat Kohli
The board is clear about enforcing one rule for all players, irrespective of stature. According to NDTV’s sources, cricket administrators are concerned about the message exceptions could send to younger players.
As a senior BCCI official reportedly put it:
“When Rohit is playing, how can an exception be made for one player? What do we tell the others?”
The board is wary of backtracking on its doctrine—especially after urging both Kohli and Rohit to participate in the Ranji Trophy following the disappointing Test series in Australia. Making an exception now risks appearing inconsistent.
The Gambhir Factor: A Relationship on Edge
Adding complexity to the situation is the reportedly cooling relationship between Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Conflicting views on workload, preparation philosophy, and long-term planning have created underlying friction. This tension has reached a point where national selector Pragyan Ojha has been dispatched to Raipur, where India is playing the second ODI against South Africa, to mediate the growing discord between Kohli and Gambhir. Such interventions underscore the seriousness of the situation and its potential impact on India’s roadmap to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Mixed Signals on Kohli’s Availability
While early reports suggested that Kohli had outright refused to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, subsequent updates from myKhel indicate a possible change of stance. Sources claim the former captain may eventually participate, potentially in response to mounting pressure and the need to ease tensions within the setup. Whether this is a genuine shift in intent or a temporary compromise remains to be seen.
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