Virat Kohli not keen on domestic return; reports confirm Vijay Hazare Trophy snub

India's star batter Virat Kohli has left BCCI in confusion by denying to play Vijay Hazare Trophy for improvement. A BCCI source has revealed that Kohli intimated with the BCCI regarding his decision to not return to domestic set-up. While Kohli's performance has been top-notch, the exclusion of him has raised questions. 

While having a conversation with NDTV, the source mentioned that even Rohit Sharma is playing Vijay Hazare Trophy and Kohli's exclusion makes the task difficult for them eventually. Rohit and Kohli have retired from all the formats and are only playing ODI cricket now. Hence, to give them enough match practice, the board wanted them to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for their respective states. 

"The issue is with the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He (Kohli) simply doesn't want to play. When Rohit [Sharma] is also playing, how can there be an exception for one player? And what do we tell the other players? That someone is different from all of you?" the source told NDTV.

Should Virat Kohli play Vijay Hazare Trophy?

If we look at Virat Kohli's stats and performances, even at the 37, he is fitter than most of the players and is in great form. In the Australia series, he scored a half-centuy and against South Africa, he scored a century. Hence, there should no questions be raised about his form and performance. 

Now, if a player is in full form, mentally and physically, there is hardly any need to play Vijay Hazare Trophy. During off days, he practices at the Lords, and has foreign trainers helping him out. So playing domestic cricket wouldn't have more effect to his training. Moreover, Kohli himself mentioned that he doesn't need a lot of preparations in the post match presentation. 

"I've never been a believer in a lot of prep. All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard, as long as my fitness levels are up, and then you visualise batting and feeling well, it's good," Kohli had said during the post-match presentation ceremony. 

Where to watch the India vs South Africa 2nd ODI match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs South Africa 2nd ODI match on December 3 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

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