Indian cricket enthusiasts were recently treated to a rare and thrilling sight as two of the sport's greatest contemporary figures, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, made their highly anticipated return to the domestic arena. Following the mandate from the BCCI for centrally contracted players to participate in local tournaments during international breaks, the legendary duo donned their state colors for the opening round of the prestigious Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) on December 24, 2025.

Historic and Dominant Domestic Comebacks

The very first day of the tournament proved that class truly is an enduring quality, with both superstars delivering performances that defied belief.

Virat Kohli's Milestone for Delhi: Representing Delhi, Virat Kohli showcased his masterclass against Andhra Pradesh at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The former India captain hammered a blistering 131 runs off just 101 balls. In the process, Kohli reached a phenomenal personal milestone, becoming the fastest cricketer to accumulate 16,000 List-A runs. Among Indian batsmen, only the iconic Sachin Tendulkar now stands ahead of him in this elite category.

Rohit Sharma’s Blitz for Mumbai: Meanwhile, in a simultaneous exhibition of power-hitting in Jaipur, Rohit Sharma was busy punishing the Sikkim bowling attack. Leading the formidable Mumbai side, "The Hitman" smashed an unbeaten 155 runs off a mere 94 deliveries. His magnificent innings, decorated with 18 fours and 9 towering sixes, served as a powerful reminder to the world why he maintains his position as the top-ranked ODI batter globally.

The Next Chapter of the 'Ro-Ko' Show

With the exhilarating first round of fixtures now concluded, fan excitement is palpable as they eagerly await the next appearance of the "Ro-Ko" duo. The focus now shifts to the upcoming schedule, which confirms their participation in the next phase of the tournament.

According to the official Vijay Hazare Trophy schedule and confirmed team lineups, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are slated to feature in the second round of matches. Fans should mark their calendars for today, Friday, December 26, 2025, when both stars are set to take the field once more. Their presence significantly boosts the stature of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, transforming state-level contests into events of national interest.

The Importance of the BCCI Mandate

The sight of both Kohli and Sharma participating actively underscores the BCCI's commitment to strengthening the domestic structure. The mandate ensures that top players remain connected to grassroots cricket, imparting invaluable experience and raising the competitive bar for emerging state players. For the young cricketers playing against or alongside these giants, the VHT 2025 season is proving to be a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity.
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