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Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Play in Duleep Trophy 2026?: The new season of Indian domestic cricket is about to begin, and the biggest question on fans' minds is whether Indian cricket's two biggest stars, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, will be seen in action on home soil this time. With the start date of the Duleep Trophy 2026 approaching, the suspense surrounding this matter has finally been resolved.
Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Play in Duleep Trophy 2026?
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The news is disappointing for Indian cricket fans: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will not participate in the Duleep Trophy 2026.
The new season of the Duleep Trophy is set to commence on August 23. Fans had long hoped that these two stalwarts might once again take the field for their respective zonal teams in red-ball cricket; however, official announcements and team selections have now made it abundantly clear that both players will sit out this tournament.
Key Reasons Behind Rohit and Virat Missing Duleep Trophy 2026
The primary reason cited for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not playing in the Duleep Trophy is their retirement from red-ball (first-class) cricket.
- Retirement from Test Cricket: Both players bade farewell to international Test cricket a year ago.
- Difference in Format: The Duleep Trophy is a first-class (four-day) tournament. After retiring from Test cricket, there is no compelling reason for either of these stalwarts to play in this format.
- Current Focus: Both stars now represent India solely in ODI cricket and play for their respective franchises in the IPL.
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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Featured in Vijay Hazare Trophy
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Fans recently had the opportunity to see both of them playing domestic cricket during the previous domestic season.
- Vijay Hazare Trophy (List A): Both players participated in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy for their respective state teams.
- Stellar Performances: Virat Kohli (playing for Delhi) and Rohit Sharma (playing for Mumbai) both scored magnificent centuries.
These performances raised fans' hopes of seeing them in the Duleep Trophy; however, this did not materialize as the tournament follows the red-ball format.
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