Rohit Sharma not included in Mumbai's Vijay Hazare Trophy team despite BCCI's compulsion

Rohit Sharma last played the VIjay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai back in the 2018 season when he turned up for a semi-final against Hyderabad.

Former India captain Rohit Sharma has not been named in Mumbai’s squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, despite the BCCI’s recent directive making domestic participation mandatory for all fit and available India players. Alongside Rohit, India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and all-rounder Shivam Dube are also missing from the initial squad announced by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).

However, the exclusions of Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube make sense since they are part of the current T20I squad and will need to remain fit going into the T20 World Cup 2026. As far as Jaiswal is concerned, he recently suffered food poisoning in Mumbai’s last game at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) and may play after a while. Having said that, all the aforementioned players can be drafted into the squad anytime as per their availabilities.

MCA remains silent Rohit Sharma omission from squad

Mumbai’s senior selection committee chairman Sanjay Patil clarified that the decision was taken to avoid blocking opportunities for youngsters when the availability of senior India players remains uncertain. However, he didn’t mention if Rohit has clarified his unavailability. Rohit last featured for India on December 6 and since then has been spending time with his family and videos of him being in the gym are also surfacing.

“All these India players will be accommodated in the Mumbai squad when they are available. If they aren’t available, it’s not right to name them in the squad and deprive a youngster of a place in the team,” Patil told Times of India.

The selection meeting was also attended by former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar, who is currently serving as MCA’s advisor. Mumbai will be led by Shardul Thakur in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which begins on December 24. This means Shardul is an all-format captain for Mumbai, having led in the Ranji Trophy and in the SMAT as well.

Can Rohit Sharma play the Vijay Hazare Trophy?

The BCCI recently reiterated that all India players are required to feature in at least two matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, unless declared unfit or undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence. India’s next international assignment is the ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11, giving Rohit Sharma a window to feature in the domestic tournament.

Now being fitter and leaner, Rohit looks to extend his international career and his one eye is surely on finishing high at the ODI World Cup 2027. Hence, the Hitman will look to get as much game time as he can in an era where ODI cricket is played far less. After finishing the year with 650 runs (just 1 run less than Kohli’s tally), Rohit would love to make full use of his form. While he was touted to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy right from the start, Rohit hasn’t been named yet. The tournament will begin on December 24 onwards, and Rohit would perhaps have the entire league stage matches till January 8 to play before the IND vs NZ series begin (from January 11).

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli looks more than likely to feature for Delhi was he was named in the probable squad as well alongside Rishabh Pant. Delhi’s matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy could also be shifted to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, so Kohli might have a homecoming of sorts.

Jaiswal illness, Rahane rest and fresh faces for Mumbai

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s absence is obviously due to his medical issues. The opener was hospitalised in Pune after suffering from acute gastroenteritis following Mumbai’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Rajasthan. MCA officials confirmed that Jaiswal will be added to the squad once he receives medical clearance.

Ajinkya Rahane, meanwhile, has requested to be rested for the initial league matches due to a hamstring issue and is expected to join the side later. Mumbai have been placed in Elite Group C and will play their group matches in Jaipur between December 24 and January 8. The squad features a mix of youth and experience, with a maiden call-up for opener Ishan Mulchandani, while Sarfaraz Khan, fresh off a prolific SMAT campaign, and his younger brother Musheer Khan have both been included.