BCCI tells Rohit Sharma to play domestic cricket but star opener has already informed MCA of this big decision ahead of South Africa series

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wants Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play domestic One-Dayers and has conveyed the same to senior duo. However, the veteran Indian opener had already informed the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) of his decision ahead of white-ball series against South Africa.

As per a report by the Indian Express, Rohit has informed MCA that he might make himself available for the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy 2025, not just the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 which will begin after the ODI series against South Africa.

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After the conclusion of two-Test series, the ODI series against South Africa will begin on November 30 at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi. Meanwhile, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 will begin on November 26. Mumbai are scheduled to play their first game against Railways. Their second game is against Vidarbha but Rohit may not be available for it as he will join the India camp.

The ODI series concludes on December 6. Rohit may play Mumbai's last league stage game against Odisha on December 8. If Mumbai progress to the Super League stage, he will be seen in action again. The SMAT will conclude on December 18.

How many Vijay Hazare Trophy games Rohit can play before New Zealand series?

Less than a week later, Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 will commence. Rohit won't have to join India camp for the New Zealand series until a few days ahead of series opener on January 11 in Vadodra. Till then, he can play Mumbai's all seven group stage game of the tournament if he wishes to.

Rohit’s current form

Recently, Rohit was crowned the no.1 ODI batter for the first time in his 18-year career. After an underwhelming return in Perth, Rohit scored a fifty in Adelaide and an unbeaten century in Sydney. He scored 202 runs in the series. Despite India losing the ODI series, the 38-year-old was named the 'Player of the series'.

“…I can at least say about what has happened with me since I’ve started playing Test cricket regularly, which is from 2019, you have hardly had any time. When you play so much international cricket throughout the year, you need some time off as well as a cricketer just to refresh… But we have addressed it now and nobody takes it for granted or anything like that,” Rohit had said on his absence from domestic cricket barring the Ranji Trophy game earlier this year.