Why Rohit and Kohli playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy matters more than we think

When Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli walked out to bat in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this season, it felt almost surreal. India’s two biggest modern-day cricketing icons, fresh off international commitments and global spotlight, were suddenly part of a domestic one-day tournament that often struggles for attention beyond hardcore followers. Yet in a matter of days, their presence transformed the Vijay Hazare Trophy from a largely under-theradar competition into a talking point across cricketing circles and social media timelines.

Rohit Sharma’s innings for Mumbai against Sikkim in Jaipur became the defining moment of the tournament. His commanding 155, scored at a breathtaking pace, was vintage Rohit, effortless timing, authoritative strokeplay, and an aura that only the very best possess. What made the knock even more remarkable was not just the runs, but the setting. Nearly 15,000 to 17,000 spectators turned up to watch a domestic List A match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium (SMS) in Jaipur, a rarity in Indian cricket outside knockout finals. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, mobile phones lit up social media, and suddenly the Vijay Hazare Trophy was trending for all the right reasons.

Virat Kohli’s return to domestic cricket carried a similar resonance. Turning out for Delhi, Kohli produced a polished century that underlined why he remains one of the finest oneday batters of his generation. His innings was less about flamboyance and more about control and precision, the very qualities that younger players watched closely from the non-striker’s end and the dressing room. In the process, Kohli also added another milestone to his already staggering List A career, crossing the 16,000-run mark in the format. These were moments that gave domestic cricket a sense of relevance and pride.

The immediate impact of Rohit and Kohli’s participation was visibility. Matches that would normally pass quietly suddenly drew cameras, journalists, and fans. Social media clips of cover drives, pull shots, and standing ovations traveled far beyond state associations. More importantly, the spotlight extended to lesser-known domestic players. Young batters sharing the field with Rohit and Kohli found themselves being discussed and appreciated in a way that domestic performances rarely receive. For them, it wasn’t just about competing but about learning in real time from the very best.

There is also a deeper, more meaningful takeaway from this episode. Indian cricket has long been criticised for the growing disconnect between its international stars and the domestic circuit. With packed international calendars, franchise leagues, and commercial commitments, domestic tournaments often feel like stepping stones meant only for those trying to break into the system. Rohit and Kohli’s decision to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy challenged that notion. It reinforced the idea that domestic cricket is not beneath established stars, but rather the foundation on which Indian cricket continues to stand. Their presence in the dressing room proved just as valuable as their runs in the middle. For a domestic cricketer aspiring to represent India, sharing a team with Rohit or Kohli is an education few could otherwise afford.

This moment also raises an important question for the Board of Control for Cricket in India(BCCI). While the Vijay Hazare Trophy gained attention organically this time, it should not take the participation of superstars to make domestic cricket visible. Other major cricket boards, notably England and Australia, ensure regular broadcast of their domestic competitions, even with modest production values. India, despite being the wealthiest cricket board in the world, still does not consistently telecast its domestic tournaments.

The argument that domestic cricket does not generate enough broadcast revenue is valid, but it should not be decisive. Domestic matches do not need elaborate camera setups or expensive production. A simple, two-camera feed streamed on YouTube or a broadcaster’s digital platform, accompanied by basic commentary, would be enough to bring the game to fans. Accessibility should be the priority. Exposure fuels interest, and interest eventually creates value.

If Indian cricket truly wants to deepen its talent pool and strengthen its grassroots, domestic cricket must be seen, followed, and discussed. Rohit and Kohli have shown what is possible when stars step into that space. They reminded everyone that domestic tournaments are not just pathways but stages worthy of respect.

As Indian cricket looks toward the future, moments like these should not be exceptions. Encouraging senior players to spend meaningful time in the domestic circuit could revive interest and bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement. The Vijay Hazare Trophy’s sudden surge into the spotlight offered a glimpse of what domestic cricket can be when attention and intent align. The challenge now is ensuring that this momentum doesn’t fade once the superstars return to the international arena.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Siddhaarth Mahan, The author is a prolific sports writer, presenter and creates digital sports programmes. He brings a storyteller’s touch for the game’s deeper narratives.