The focus shifts to the third round of the prestigious Vijay Hazare Trophy on Monday, with domestic giants Delhi and Mumbai both aiming to maintain their perfect starts to the tournament. However, the marquee clash of the day will be missing its biggest stars, as Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be absent from their respective line-ups.
Star Absences Define Crucial Round
Both teams confirmed that their star batters, who made celebrated returns to the 50-over domestic competition, had committed to playing only the first two matches. Virat Kohli was instrumental in Delhi's victories, scoring a dominant 131 runs off 101 balls against Andhra Pradesh and a quickfire 77 from 61 deliveries versus Gujarat, earning Player of the Match awards in both games. His appearance marked a notable comeback after a 15-year gap from the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
For Mumbai, Rohit Sharma announced his return after seven years with a thunderous 155 off just 94 balls against Sikkim. However, his campaign hit a minor bump when he was dismissed for a golden duck against Uttarakhand, out on the very first ball he faced.
Monday's Fixtures and Team Strategies
Delhi is scheduled to lock horns with Saurashtra at the Karnataka Cricket Association (KSCA) Stadium in Alur. Meanwhile, Mumbai will travel to Jaipur to face Chhattisgarh at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground. The absence of Kohli and Rohit will test the depth of both squads, requiring other senior players and emerging talents to step up and secure vital points.
Team managements are now tasked with reshuffling their batting orders and strategies. The focus will be on players who have been waiting in the wings to prove their mettle in the absence of the superstar duo. This round presents a significant opportunity for domestic stalwarts to lead from the front.
Future Availability of Kohli and Rohit
Looking ahead, reports suggest that Virat Kohli is expected to return for Delhi's penultimate league match against Railways on January 6, which will also be held in Alur. Following that fixture, he is slated to join the Indian national squad's preparations for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning on January 11.
In contrast, Rohit Sharma is unlikely to feature again for Mumbai in this season's Vijay Hazare Trophy. His brief but impactful stint has concluded, and the Mumbai think-tank will plan their remaining campaign without him. This sets the stage for other batsmen in the Mumbai lineup to cement their places.
The third round promises high-stakes cricket as the tournament progresses towards the knockout stages. While fans will miss seeing Kohli and Rohit in action, the matches will highlight the robust structure and competitive spirit of India's domestic cricket, where every game is a chance for new heroes to emerge.
