BCCI Breaks Silence on Ro-Ko Playing in Vijay Hazare Trophy Amid Speculation

New Delhi: Ahead of the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, Indian cricket icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have announced their participation in the domestic one-day tournament. Their decision has sparked widespread debate, with media reports suggesting that the senior players were under pressure to play. Former cricketers had appealed to the BCCI to allow the veteran duo—popularly known as Ro-Ko—to make the decision themselves. After remaining silent, the BCCI has now clarified the matter.

Allegations of Pressure

Some media reports claimed that the BCCI instructed Rohit and Virat to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy if they wanted to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Following India’s poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia earlier this year, the board decided that centrally contracted players should participate in domestic tournaments whenever international schedules allowed. Critics argued that this policy pressured the two veterans, who now play only ODIs after retiring from Tests and T20Is.

BCCI Responds

According to RevSports, a BCCI official denied any pressure, stating that both Rohit and Virat had independently decided to play. Last week, Virat Kohli personally informed the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) about his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which DDCA president Rohan Jaitley confirmed. Similarly, Rohit Sharma communicated his participation to the Mumbai Cricket Association for the tournament starting 24 December. Notably, both players had previously played one Ranji Trophy match each for Delhi and Mumbai in January before announcing their retirement from Test cricket.

Ro-Ko in Form Ahead of Vijay Hazare Trophy

Both players are currently in explosive form. In the recent ODIs against Australia and South Africa, they collectively played six matches, with Rohit scoring a century and a fifty against Australia, followed by 146 runs in three matches against South Africa, including two fifties. Virat Kohli, after two initial failures against Australia, struck a strong fifty in the third ODI and subsequently accumulated 302 runs in the domestic one-day series against South Africa, including two centuries and one unbeaten fifty, earning the Player of the Series award.

Gautam Gambhir on Ro-Ko and the 2027 World Cup

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged the duo’s significance, stating, “They are world-class players, and their experience in the dressing room is invaluable. Their contributions in the 50-over format are crucial for the team. While the 2027 ODI World Cup is two years away, their presence now ensures that the young players benefit from their expertise.”

With Ro-Ko in prime form and independently choosing to participate, the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 promises thrilling performances from India’s ODI stalwarts, delighting fans across the country.