However, according to a report by NDTV, Kohli has taken a defiant stance against the BCCI directive, as he has refused
to turn up for Delhi in the upcoming domestic tournament, which is set to begin later this month. It has been reliably
learnt that the BCCI wanted the two senior players to play the 50-over competition before the three-match series against
The NDTV report states that while Rohit is ready to represent Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare, the same cannot be said about
Virat. With Kohli taking such a stance, he is set for a collision course with the decision makers and the team
Also Read: Kohli has serious exchange with BCCI selector before 2nd ODI; Rohit, Gambhir share upbeat moment amid rift
"The issue is with the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He (Kohli) simply doesn't want to play. When Rohit Sharma is also playing,
how can there be an exception for one player? And what do we tell the other players? That someone is different from all
of you?" the source told NDTV.
It is also worth mentioning that the former India captain, who turned 37 last month, had hinted about not playing
“excessive cricket” after winning the Player of the Match award in Ranchi.
"I've never been a believer in a lot of prep. All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard, as long as my
fitness levels are up, and then you visualise batting and feeling well, it's good," said Kohli at the post-match
Kohli's relationship with Gambhir turns cold
During the first ODI, Virat was also seen giving a cold shoulder to head coach Gambhir after he seemingly ignored him
post India's win. The former India captain was spotted looking at his phone as he walked right past Gambhir inside the
According to NDTV, the relationship between Gambhir and Kohli has turned “cold” due to disagreements over certain
important topics regarding the batter's future, leaving the dressing room atmosphere in dire straits. On Tuesday
afternoon, selector Pragyan Ojha was spotted having an intense discussion with Kohli at the Ranchi airport, and it is
believed he was used as a mediator to help resolve issues between the two former India teammates.
It is worth mentioning that both Rohit and Virat played in the Ranji Trophy earlier this year, following the BCCI's firm
directive. However, the duo called time on their Test careers just five months later, days ahead of the squad
announcement for the England series.
Earlier this year, several reports claimed that the two senior statesmen might be asked to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy
if they harbour dreams of playing the 2027 ODI World Cup. Amid the rising questions about their future, both Rohit and
Virat answered their critics in style by showcasing smashing form with the bat.