Should Virat and Rohit Play Domestic Cricket? BCCI May Need to Reconsider Its Rule

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have made an explosive return to domestic cricket, leaving fans and experts impressed. Their performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has sparked debates about whether the BCCI should rethink its current rules regarding international stars playing in domestic tournaments.

Rohit and Virat’s Spectacular Comeback
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli registered centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, reminding everyone of their enduring class. Rohit scored a scintillating century off just 62 balls against Sikkim, while Kohli reached his hundred in 84 balls against Andhra Pradesh. Their performances underscore that, even after time away, these stalwarts remain at the top of their game.

The match also witnessed history being made by 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player to score a List A century. Already known for three T20 centuries, Suryavanshi is being hailed as a future star.

Rohit and Kohli’s return energized their respective state teams, drawing massive crowds. Over 10,000 spectators turned up at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium to witness Rohit in action, while Kohli dominated Andhra Pradesh’s bowling attack at the Centre of Excellence ground near Bengaluru, even in the absence of a live audience.

BCCI Needs to Reevaluate Its Policy
The overwhelming fan response highlights the importance of star players in domestic cricket. When top players participate, stadiums fill up, viewership increases, and the domestic circuit receives much-needed attention. Otherwise, the backbone of India’s cricketing ecosystem risks fading into obscurity, appealing only to a niche audience.

Currently, under a new BCCI rule, all available international players, except Jasprit Bumrah, are required to play at least two domestic matches before the upcoming limited-overs series against New Zealand in January. While well-intentioned, this regulation may need a review to ensure it truly benefits both the players and the domestic structure.

Rohit and Kohli’s performances have once again proven that the presence of elite players not only raises the standard of domestic cricket but also keeps fans engaged and tournaments relevant. The BCCI must weigh the long-term impact of its rules on domestic cricket’s popularity and competitive quality.