Kohli sends subtle message to BCCI over domestic cricket diktat after century in Ranchi: 'So as long as my fitness…

After bouncing back to form with an unbeaten fifty against Australia in Sydney in October, batting superstar and former India captain Virat Kohli starred in the first of three ODIs against South Africa on Sunday by slamming his 52nd century in the format.

Kohli top-scored for the Indian team with a knock of 135 off 120 balls, sharing a 136-run stand for the second wicket with Rohit Sharma (57) that, together with valuable contributions from captain KL Rahul as well as all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja (32), helped India post a match-winning total of 349.

‘I work physically very hard every day of my life’

And in the post-match presentation ceremony after India won the high-scoring thriller in Ranchi by 17 runs, Kohli sent a subtle message to the BCCI as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar regarding the domestic cricket mandate while collecting the Player of the Match award.

“I work physically very hard every day of my life. It’s got nothing to do with cricket anymore. It’s the way I live. So as long as my fitness levels are up and my mental enjoyment and sharpness are there, when you can visualise the game and see yourself running as hard, reacting fast on the ball, you know it’s fine,” Kohli said when asked about his ability to maintain form despite making only a handful of appearances for Team India recently.

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“I’ve played 300-odd ODI games and so much cricket over the last 15-16 years. If you can bat an hour and a half, two hours in the nets without taking a break, you’re meeting all the markers. I understand if there’s a dip in form, you look for games and try to get that form back,” he added.

Will BCCI have a change of heart and Kohli and Rohit’s recent heroics? 

The BCCI has made it mandatory for all cricketers, including seniors, to represent their state association in the domestic circuit – whether they play the Ranji Trophy (First Class) or the Vijay Hazare Trophy (List A) and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20). The board has made domestic participation compulsory for players to be eligible for national selection.

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from Tests as well as Twenty20 Internationals, and thus won’t be expected to participate in the Ranji Trophy as well as in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

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However, since they have expressed their desire to play till the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, the BCCI is expecting them to play in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy – which will be getting underway on 24 December with the final set to take place on 18 January.

It remains to be seen if the BCCI sticks to its stance and urges Rohit and Kohli to play domestic cricket, or whether their recent heroics against Australia (away) and South Africa (home) leads to a change of heart for the Mithun Manhas and Devajit Saikia-led board.