The ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) has seen the absence of two of Indian cricket's most prominent figures, Virat
Kohli and Rohit Sharma, during the third round of matches. Both players had committed to participating in only the first
two matches of the tournament, which has raised questions about the impact of their limited involvement on their
respective teams, Delhi and Mumbai.
Kohli's return to the VHT after a significant hiatus of 15 years was marked by impressive performances, scoring 131
against Andhra Pradesh and 77 against Gujarat. His contributions were crucial in securing victories for Delhi, asserting
his status as a key player despite the limited appearances. On the other hand, Rohit made a dramatic comeback to the
tournament after seven years, scoring a robust 155 in his first match against Sikkim, although his performance dipped in
the subsequent match with a golden duck against Uttarakhand.
The absence of both players in the current round could shift the balance of competition for their teams. Delhi, who are
set to face Saurashtra, and Mumbai, who will play against Chhattisgarh, will have to navigate these matches without
their star batsmen. This could lead to increased pressure on the remaining squad members to step up and fill the void
left by Kohli and Rohit. The performances of the supporting players will be pivotal in determining the outcomes of these
matches, as they aim to maintain their unbeaten streaks in the tournament.
Looking ahead, Kohli is expected to return for Delhi's penultimate league match against Railways on January 6, prior to
joining the Indian national team for an ODI series against New Zealand. However, Rohit's participation in the rest of
the tournament remains uncertain, which could diminish Mumbai's prospects as they aim to secure their position for the
In terms of tournament dynamics, the absence of Kohli and Rohit could affect the psychological edge their teams
typically possess when they are on the field. Their leadership and experience are invaluable, particularly during
high-pressure situations. This is especially relevant in a format like the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where consistency and
momentum can greatly influence outcomes.
In summary, the limited participation of Kohli and Rohit in the VHT represents both a strategic choice and a challenge
for their teams. While their individual performances in the initial matches have been stellar, the reliance on their
contributions underscores a broader issue of depth within the squads. The real test will be whether Delhi and Mumbai can
sustain their performance levels without their star batsmen, as both teams look to make a significant impact in the