Indian cricket icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli marked their return to domestic cricket with emphatic centuries in the opening round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, thrilling packed stadiums and reigniting excitement around India’s premier List A tournament. Their performances not only powered convincing victories for Mumbai and Delhi respectively but also sent a strong message about their form and hunger ahead of India’s upcoming ODI assignments.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy, often seen as a breeding ground for India’s next generation, turned into a star-studded spectacle as two of the country’s biggest names took center stage on the very first day.
Rohit Sharma’s Explosive 155 Powers Mumbai to Big Win
Rohit Sharma produced one of the most dominant innings of his domestic career as he led Mumbai to an eight-wicket victory over Sikkim in Jaipur. Opening the batting, Rohit smashed an unbeaten 155 off just 94 balls, showcasing his trademark timing combined with breathtaking power.
His innings included 18 fours and nine towering sixes, dismantling the Sikkim bowling attack with ease. The highlight of the knock was Rohit registering his fastest-ever List A century, reaching the landmark in just 62 balls. The Mumbai captain looked in complete control from the outset, rotating strike effortlessly before shifting gears with his trademark pull shots and lofted drives.
Chasing a modest target, Mumbai wrapped up the contest comfortably, with Rohit walking off unbeaten to a standing ovation from a crowd that far exceeded expectations.
Jaipur Crowd Turns Domestic Match into Festival
The Mumbai vs Sikkim clash turned into a fan spectacle, with around 10,000 spectators turning up at the venue more than triple the number organizers had anticipated. Fans flocked to see Rohit Sharma bat in domestic colours, underlining the massive pull India’s senior stars still command even outside international cricket.
The electric atmosphere reaffirmed the importance of star participation in domestic tournaments, breathing new life into competitions like the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Virat Kohli Anchors Delhi with Commanding Century
In Bengaluru, Virat Kohli delivered a classic chase-masterclass to guide Delhi to a four-wicket win against Andhra Pradesh. Kohli scored a composed yet authoritative 131 off 101 balls, perfectly pacing the chase and ensuring Delhi crossed the line without panic.
This innings also marked a historic personal milestone. Kohli became the fastest batter in List A history to reach 16,000 runs, achieving the feat quicker than legendary Sachin Tendulkar. The landmark further cemented Kohli’s reputation as one of the greatest ODI and List A batters the game has ever seen.
While Andhra Pradesh posted a competitive total, helped by Ricky Bhui’s unbeaten 107, Kohli’s calm presence in the middle ensured Delhi stayed on course throughout the chase.
Player of the Match Honors for Both Legends
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were named Player of the Match for their respective performances, a fitting recognition for innings that dominated headlines across the cricketing world.
For fans and selectors alike, these knocks were more than just domestic hundreds they were statements of intent. After limited international appearances in recent months, both batters looked sharp, confident, and hungry.
Record-Breaking Feats Elsewhere Add to Vijay Hazare Drama
While Rohit and Kohli grabbed the spotlight, the Vijay Hazare Trophy also witnessed extraordinary performances elsewhere. Bihar stunned the cricketing fraternity with a historic 574/6, the highest team total ever in List A cricket.
The innings was headlined by 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed a jaw-dropping 190 off 84 balls, announcing himself as one of India’s most exciting young talents. He was ably supported by Sakibul Gani, who blazed his way to a record 128 off just 40 deliveries.
These performances highlighted the depth and fearlessness of India’s domestic talent pool, reinforcing the Vijay Hazare Trophy’s reputation as a platform for future stars.
Fans Frustrated Over Lack of Live Broadcast
Despite the on-field brilliance, fans expressed disappointment over the absence of live television coverage for several star-studded matches. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning to domestic action after a long gap, many supporters felt the lack of live broadcast limited wider engagement.
Social media was flooded with calls for better coverage of domestic cricket, especially when senior international players are involved.
Boost for India’s Future ODI Plans
The commanding centuries from Rohit and Kohli come at a crucial time for Indian cricket. With major ODI tournaments and bilateral series on the horizon, their form will be closely watched by team management.
Rohit’s explosive innings underlined his continued dominance as an opener, while Kohli’s milestone knock reinforced his reliability in run chases. Together, their performances serve as a timely boost for India’s ODI ambitions.
A Statement Start to Vijay Hazare Trophy
The opening round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy could hardly have asked for a better start. From Rohit Sharma’s power-packed 155 to Virat Kohli’s record-breaking 131 and Bihar’s unprecedented team total, the tournament began with drama, history, and star power.
As the competition progresses, fans can expect more thrilling performances but the bar has already been set extraordinarily high by India’s two modern greats.
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