India, Dec. 24 -- As batters dominated the opening day of the 2025/26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma made a headline-grabbing return to India's premier domestic List A tournament on Wednesday. Featuring in their respective group-stage matches, the senior duo turned what could have been routine fixtures into clear statements of intent. Rohit smashed an emphatic 155, while Kohli brought up a commanding century, wasting little time in reminding the BCCI and selectors of their enduring ODI pedigree.

Following the BCCI's firm mandate on domestic cricket participation, Kohli and Rohit's return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy carried added significance. For the selectors and team management, it was not just about compliance, but a...