On November 12, 2025 (IST), multiple reports said the BCCI has conveyed to Kohli and Rohit ODI selection that playing domestic cricket will be a prerequisite for future ODI selection. The message aligns with the board’s long-running push to prioritise domestic participation for centrally contracted players.
Key Developments (Quick Hits)
- The directive: Reports indicate both Kohli and Rohit have been told to resume domestic appearances to be considered for India’s ODI plans, echoing the selection committee’s stance this season.
- Why now: The BCCI has consistently nudged top players toward domestic cricket participation publicly since February 2024 and has even linked annual contracts to domestic commitment in the past.
- Broader context: Rohit retired from Tests in May 2025 but continues in ODIs; ensuring match-fitness and rhythm via domestic games is seen as crucial ahead of the next ODI cycle.
The Backstory: BCCI’s Domestic-First Push
This stance isn’t out of the blue. In Feb 2024, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said centrally contracted players “will have to play domestic cricket,” signalling a policy line that’s now being enforced without high-profile exemptions. In 2024, the board also withheld annual contracts for players who skipped Ranji assignments after losing their India spots, further underscoring the domestic link.
Through late 2025, selectors and prominent voices (including Ajit Agarkar and R. Ashwin) have echoed that senior batters must prove readiness via domestic games if they’re part of the 2027 ODI World Cup roadmap.
What This Means For Kohli & Rohit
- Selection bar: No automatic slots, domestic form + fitness will be evaluated alongside IPL and international output.
- Workload calibration: With Rohit out of Tests, the domestic calendar can serve as a controlled match load to maintain ODI sharpness (and to show intent).
- Signal to squad: Creates a single standard that young and senior players alike must log domestic overs and innings to stay in contention.
What To Watch Next
- Tournament choice: Whether the duo opt for Vijay Hazare Trophy (List-A) or Ranji Trophy (red-ball) to reclaim ODI match-time cues.
- Selectors’ cues: Official squad notes and pressers from the selection committee will clarify how many domestic games satisfy the threshold.
- Team management tone: Head coach Gautam Gambhir said seniors can play “till they are performing,” but selection remains the panel’s call, making domestic data points even more relevant.
Expert/Player Reactions (So Far)
- Public sentiment from ex-players: R. Ashwin publicly backed the domestic requirement for senior stars to stay in 2027 plans, framing it as a “prove you’re serious” standard.
- Media framing: Coverage across leading outlets (NDTV, ToI, Moneycontrol) stresses the “no-exemptions” mood music from BCCI/selection brass.
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