BCCI push brings India’s superstars back to Vijay Hazare spotlight

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill headline a star-studded Vijay Hazare Trophy, turning India’s domestic one-day tournament into a high-profile contest.

India’s top cricket stars have returned to domestic cricket after a long gap, following a firm directive from the BCCI, bringing unprecedented attention to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which begins today. With several Team India regulars featuring across state teams, the domestic one-day tournament has suddenly gained international-level spotlight.

The return of senior players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul has added a new dimension to the competition. Their presence has transformed the tournament into a high-intensity contest, with fans and selectors closely tracking performances.

Virat Kohli is set to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi after 15 years. He will make his comeback in the opening match against Andhra Pradesh. Alongside Kohli, Delhi will also field other India stars. Rishabh Pant will lead the side as captain, while pacer Harshit Rana has informed the Delhi and District Cricket Association about his availability for select matches.

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The Mumbai team, led by Shardul Thakur, is packed with star power. Rohit Sharma will feature in the domestic one-day tournament after a gap of seven years, taking the field in today’s match in Jaipur. Mumbai’s lineup also includes Suryakumar Yadav, Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube, making the side one of the strongest in the competition.

India’s ODI batter Shubman Gill has also opted to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Following his omission from the T20 World Cup squad, Gill is looking to regain momentum through domestic cricket. His close friend Abhishek Sharma will turn out for Punjab, and is likely to captain the side. Fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has also confirmed availability for a few matches in the tournament.

Karnataka enters the tournament with renewed strength as KL Rahul returns to represent the state after six years. Rahul last played the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Karnataka in 2019, a season in which the team went on to lift the title. His comeback significantly boosts Karnataka’s chances, with a squad featuring Mayank Agarwal, Devdutt Padikkal, Karun Nair and Prasidh Krishna, all targeting another championship run.

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Meanwhile, senior pacer Mohammed Shami, sidelined from the Indian team after the 2025 Champions Trophy, is pushing hard for a comeback. After featuring in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shami is now set to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy as part of his return plan. Strong performances in the tournament are expected to play a key role in regaining the confidence of selectors and the team management.

With India’s biggest names back on domestic grounds, the Vijay Hazare Trophy has regained its prestige, turning into a fierce battleground of experience, form and future selection prospects.