Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma Comply with BCCI Directive to Play Domestic Cricket, But Where's Virat Kohli?

The BCCI's push for top players to feature in domestic cricket has begun to reshape India's preparation landscape. Hardik Pandya has now joined Rohit Sharma in responding to the board's instruction, confirming his readiness to return through the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Baroda.

In contrast, Virat Kohli has not taken any step toward domestic participation and remains in London with his family.

Hardik Nears Match Readiness After Long Rehabilitation

Hardik's comeback follows weeks of intensive rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Staff at the facility believe he is close to full match fitness after an extended recovery phase. If no setbacks occur, he could be on the field for Baroda's opening game on November 26 in Hyderabad. Should he need a few extra days, he is still expected to appear by the second fixture of the tournament.

His absence dates back to the quadricep injury he suffered during the Asia Cup contest against Sri Lanka. The injury not only forced him to miss the final against Pakistan but also kept him out of the limited overs series in Australia. Since then, his focus has been on improving strength, mobility, and conditioning to prepare for full intensity cricket.

Rohit Signals Interest in the Vijay Hazare Trophy

Rohit Sharma's stance came to light a day before Hardik's selection plans surfaced. Reports indicate that he has expressed an interest in taking part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to align with the BCCI's requirement that players must feature in domestic cricket to be considered for India duties. However, the Mumbai Cricket Association has yet to receive formal communication confirming his participation.

While Rohit and Hardik have made their intentions clear, Kohli has not initiated any domestic cricket plans so far, keeping the spotlight on his absence from the ongoing shift in player availability.

India's Schedule Drives Urgency for Hardik's Return

Once Hardik receives the Return to Play clearance from the Centre of Excellence, he is expected to join the Baroda squad in Hyderabad without delay. The national selectors want him to gain match sharpness before India takes on South Africa in a three match ODI series.

The fixtures for the ODI leg are set for Ranchi on November 30, Raipur on December 3, and Visakhapatnam on December 6. This will be followed by a five match T20I stretch beginning December 9 in Cuttack.

If all timelines fall into place, Hardik should be able to participate in at least one Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match before returning to the India squad, marking the end of nearly three months on the sidelines.