Sport · India Bureau
Kohli urged to return to domestic cricket ahead of upcoming season
Senior cricket officials have called for Virat Kohli to feature in domestic tournaments, with one administrator suggesting disciplinary measures if the star batsman refuses. The push comes as captain Rohit Sharma prepares to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
LSN India ·
India's cricket establishment has intensified pressure on Virat Kohli to make a return to domestic cricket, signalling concerns over his participation in grassroots competitions. While captain Rohit Sharma has indicated his willingness to feature in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kohli has not expressed similar intentions, prompting officials to take a firmer stance.
A senior administrator suggested that stricter measures could be employed to encourage Kohli's domestic participation. The official indicated that the batsman could face dressing room suspension if he continues to avoid domestic fixtures, underlining the board's commitment to ensuring all players, regardless of stature, contribute to India's domestic cricket structure.
The move reflects a broader emphasis on maintaining competitive standards in India's domestic circuit and ensuring that elite players remain match-fit through regular domestic exposure. Kohli's recent international performances have come under scrutiny, with observers suggesting that consistent domestic cricket participation could aid his form restoration.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has long maintained that domestic cricket serves as the foundation for international success, and officials believe top-order batsmen like Kohli should regularly feature in these tournaments to maintain their competitive edge and provide developmental opportunities for emerging players.