Rohit Sharma makes a long-awaited return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy
Rohit Sharma is set to make a rare and much-anticipated return to domestic cricket, and the excitement around it has already reached a fever pitch. The former India captain will turn out for Mumbai in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, which begins on Wednesday, December 24, marking his first appearance in the prestigious List-A tournament in seven years.
For fans in Jaipur, Rohit’s return is more than just a domestic fixture—it’s an event. A video circulating widely on social media captured the scale of the frenzy as Rohit arrived at the venue. Fans crowded around him, chanting his name, trying to click pictures and record videos, forcing security personnel to step in and manage the situation. The scenes underlined just how rare it is for supporters to watch one of India’s biggest modern-day stars play domestic cricket.
Rohit’s decision to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy comes amid a broader push from the BCCI to ensure senior players remain match-ready through domestic exposure. With Rohit now focusing solely on ODI cricket after stepping away from T20Is and Tests, opportunities at the international level are more limited. The board reportedly encouraged both Rohit and Virat Kohli—who will represent Delhi in the same tournament—to participate in domestic competitions to maintain rhythm and stay firmly in the selectors’ plans.
Despite a List-A career spanning nearly two decades, Rohit’s appearances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy have been surprisingly few. He has played only 18 matches for Mumbai in the tournament, with the majority of his List-A games coming at the international level. His last outing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy dates back to 2018, when he featured in the knockout stages for Mumbai. Since then, heavy international commitments have kept him away from the domestic circuit.
Initially, it was reported that Rohit might feature in the knockout rounds of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, but Mumbai later clarified that he would instead play two matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. After being unavailable at first, Rohit confirmed his availability to the Mumbai Cricket Association, and his name was included in the squad for the opening fixtures.
Rohit Sharma’s comeback for Mumbai after seven years sparks massive fan excitement in Jaipur
His last appearance in domestic cricket came earlier this year, when he played a Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir in Mumbai in January. Since then, Rohit has remained active at the international level, most recently in the ODI series against South Africa. In that series, he scored 146 runs across three matches, including two half-centuries, averaging a solid 48.67—numbers that suggest he is still very much at the top of his game.
Mumbai will begin their Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign against Sikkim in an Elite Group C clash at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. With Rohit in the squad, expectations are sky-high, and a packed crowd is anticipated. For Jaipur fans, the chance to see Rohit bat live in a domestic match is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and the anticipation has been building steadily.
CRAZE FOR ROHIT SHARMA IN JAIPUR…!!! 😍🔥
– The Number 1 Ranked ODI batter. pic.twitter.com/cQVf5tZJHc
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 23, 2025
Rohit’s participation is also being viewed through the lens of the future. With the next ODI series against New Zealand scheduled for January, his return to domestic cricket is seen as a strategic move to remain in peak form and firmly within the selectors’ radar. Rohit has made it clear that his focus is now entirely on ODI cricket, with an eye on extending his illustrious career through to the 2027 World Cup, set to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Statistically, Rohit’s Vijay Hazare record reflects both his limited appearances and his impact. In 18 matches, he has scored 581 runs, including one century and three half-centuries, at an average of 38.7. Those numbers may not fully capture his stature, but they underline just how uncommon his presence has been in the tournament.
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As Rohit Sharma prepares to walk out in Mumbai colors once again, the excitement around his return says everything about his enduring appeal. Seven years on, his comeback to the Vijay Hazare Trophy isn’t just a domestic appearance—it’s a celebration for fans, a boost for Mumbai, and another chapter in the remarkable career of one of Indian cricket’s modern greats.
