Vijay Hazare Trophy: Rohit Sharma, one of the most experienced batters in Indian cricket and a former national captain, made a much-anticipated return to domestic cricket as he turned out for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. The tournament began on Wednesday, December 24, and Rohit’s presence instantly drew attention, both on the field and among fans, as Mumbai faced Sikkim in their opening match of the season.
As per the latest domestic participation guidelines issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, several senior and centrally contracted players were encouraged to feature in domestic competitions. Rohit Sharma complied with these norms and joined the Mumbai squad on the very first day of the tournament. His return highlighted the importance of domestic cricket as a platform to maintain match fitness and competitive rhythm, even for players with long and successful international careers.
Mumbai were asked to bowl first against Sikkim, and Rohit was actively involved in the field during the early stages of the match. He was stationed in the slip cordon for a significant period and appeared relaxed, interacting with teammates and offering guidance to younger players. His calm presence added stability to the Mumbai side, which featured a mix of seasoned performers and emerging domestic talent.
This match marked Rohit Sharma’s first appearance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy since October 2018. Despite the long gap, fan enthusiasm remained strong, with a large turnout at the venue hoping to witness the veteran batter in action. The response underlined Rohit’s enduring popularity and the strong emotional connection he shares with domestic cricket followers.
Rohit is currently active only in the One Day International format at the international level, following his retirement from Test cricket and T20 internationals earlier this year. Playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy allows him to stay match-ready and sharpen his skills in the 50-over format. His last international outing came earlier in December during the third ODI against South Africa, making this domestic appearance a timely continuation of competitive cricket.
Over the years, Rohit Sharma has built a solid record in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In 18 innings, he has scored 581 runs at an average of 37.40. His tally includes multiple high-impact performances, with a top score of an unbeaten 147 against Rajasthan. These numbers reflect his ability to adapt his game to domestic conditions and lead from the front when representing Mumbai.
While the excitement around Rohit’s return was high, fans were left disappointed due to the absence of live streaming for the match. The same issue affected Delhi’s fixture as well, with matches involving both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not being broadcast. Delhi’s match against Andhra Pradesh was played behind closed doors in Bengaluru because of security concerns, further limiting fan access.
Earlier this year, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli featured in one Ranji Trophy match each before officially stepping away from Test cricket. Their continued involvement in domestic tournaments reflects a broader commitment to strengthening the domestic cricket ecosystem and setting an example for younger players aspiring to reach the highest level.
Mumbai fielded a balanced playing eleven that included a strong batting core and a versatile bowling attack. Sikkim, on the other hand, entered the match with a determined squad aiming to challenge one of the most successful domestic teams in Indian cricket. The contest offered valuable exposure for players from both sides in a competitive one-day environment.
Rohit Sharma’s return to domestic cricket is more than just a personal milestone. It reinforces the relevance of tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy in preparing players for international challenges. His participation adds prestige to the competition and inspires young cricketers who share the field with an international icon.
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