The move comes as part of the BCCI’s recent mandate that requires fit national players to participate in at least two domestic matches to stay in rhythm for upcoming international assignments, especially the ODI series against New Zealand scheduled for January 2026.
Limited appearances for Rohit Sharma in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Although Rohit is part of the squad, he is not expected to play the entire tournament. According to MCA sources, Rohit has confirmed his availability for the first two matches of the league phase. These matches will serve as crucial match practice for the ‘Hitman’ before he takes charge of India in the upcoming white-ball season.
Rohit’s confirmed schedule:
- December 24, 2025: vs Sikkim (Jaipur)
- December 26, 2025: vs Uttarakhand (Jaipur)
Shardul Thakur will lead while seniors will take a backseat
Interestingly, Rohit will not captain the side. The selectors have handed over the leadership to the all-rounder Shardul Thakur. This decision allows Rohit to purely concentrate on his batting and preparation.
Other senior figures are currently missing from the lineup for various reasons:
- Suryakumar Yadav & Shivam Dubey: Currently in national service.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: The explosive opener is currently recovering from a bout of acute gastroenteritis and was recently hospitalized in Pune.
- Ajinkya Rahane: The veteran batsman has requested rest for the initial phase to recover from a minor hamstring problem.
Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Salary of Mumbai Indians (MI) players; see how much Quinton de Kock and Suryakumar Yadav earn
The long-awaited return to the domestic roots of Indian superstars
Rohit isn’t the only superstar returning to his roots. The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 will be one of the most talked about editions in years. Virat Kohli And Rishabh pants both have confirmed their availability for the Delhi squad, with Pant set to captain the team. This synchronized return of India’s “Big Three” to domestic cricket has generated huge interest in the tournament, which will be held in Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Bengaluru.
Mumbai squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy:
Rohit Sharma (two matches), Shardul Thakur (C), Hardik Tamore (WK), Ishan Mulchandani, Shams Mulani, Musheer Khan, Tanush Kotian, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Tushar Deshpande, Sarfaraz Khan, Onkar Tarmale, Siddesh Lad, Sylvester Dsouza, Sairaj Patil, Akash Anand (WK), Suryansh Shedge
Also READ: Rishabh Pant becomes Delhi captain as Virat Kohli returns historic Vijay Hazare Trophy; selection announced for the first two games
#Mumbai #announces #selection #Vijay #Hazare #Trophy #Rohit #Sharma #historic #return