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In a major boost for domestic cricket and a treat for fans, former Indian captain Rohit Sharma has officially been included in the Mumbai squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. After initial uncertainty, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed on Friday that the veteran opener will participate in the opening stages of the prestigious 50-over tournament.
The move comes as part of the BCCI’s recent mandate requiring fit national players to participate in at least two domestic games to remain in rhythm for upcoming international assignments, specifically the ODI series against New Zealand scheduled for January 2026.
Limited appearances for Rohit Sharma in Vijay Hazare Trophy
While Rohit is a 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 stage. These games will serve as crucial match practice for the “Hitman” before he leads India’s charge in the upcoming white-ball season.
Rohit’s confirmed schedule:
- Dec 24, 2025: vs. Sikkim (Jaipur)
- Dec 26, 2025: vs. Uttarakhand (Jaipur)
Shardul Thakur to lead as seniors take a backseat
Interestingly, Rohit will not be captaining the side. The selectors have handed the leadership reins to all-rounder Shardul Thakur. This decision allows Rohit to focus purely on his batting and preparation.
Other senior figures are currently missing from the lineup for various reasons:
- Suryakumar Yadav & Shivam Dube: Currently on national duty.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: The explosive opener is currently recovering from a bout of acute gastroenteritis and was recently hospitalized in Pune.
- Ajinkya Rahane: The veteran batter has requested rest for the initial phase to recover from a minor hamstring issue.
The much-awaited return to domestic roots for Indian superstars
Rohit is not the only superstar returning to his roots. The 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile editions in years. Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant have both 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 sparked immense interest in the tournament, which will be held across 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
