Virat Kohli Declines to Play Vijay Hazare Trophy; Report Hints at Growing Rift With Coach Gautam Gambhir

New Delhi: Tensions within Indian cricket appear to be rising as senior batter Virat Kohli has reportedly declined the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) request to participate in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, according to a report by NDTV. The decision comes at a time when the board, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have been urging centrally contracted players to feature in domestic tournaments whenever their international schedule allows.

Following the disappointing Border–Gavaskar Trophy loss to Australia, the management strengthened its stance that senior players must maintain match readiness by playing domestic cricket. While Rohit Sharma is reportedly ready to turn up for Mumbai in the tournament, Kohli has taken a contrasting position.

Sources quoted by NDTV expressed concern over Kohli’s refusal, questioning how exceptions can be made for one player when senior teammate Rohit is adhering to the directive. The domestic 50-over competition is set to begin later this month, ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand in January.

Kohli, who turned 37 recently, had earlier hinted at cutting down on “excessive cricket” after winning the Player of the Match award in Ranchi. He emphasized that his preparation is largely mental and that maintaining fitness is his top priority.

Kohli–Gambhir Relationship Reportedly Strained

Reports also suggest that Kohli’s relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir has turned “cold.” During the first ODI, cameras caught Kohli walking past Gambhir without acknowledging him, intensifying rumours of disagreements between the two.

NDTV claims the tension stems from differing views on Kohli’s future role and workload management. Selectors are believed to be acting as intermediaries, with selector Pragyan Ojha seen having a detailed conversation with Kohli at Ranchi airport.

Both Rohit and Kohli had played Ranji Trophy matches earlier this year after the BCCI tightened its stance on domestic participation. However, both veterans retired from Test cricket just five months later.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup in sight, earlier reports suggested that playing domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy could be mandatory for senior players aiming for long-term ODI prospects. Despite the off-field issues, both Rohit and Kohli have been in exceptional form with the bat recently.