Duleep Trophy: When did Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last play for their domestic teams?

As the Duleep Trophy 2024 season approaches, there is growing speculation that two of India's biggest cricketing stars, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, may make their long-awaited return to the domestic circuit. Although there has been no official confirmation yet, the mere possibility of these stalwarts participating in the tournament has generated significant excitement among fans and experts alike.

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When did Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last play domestic cricket?

If Rohit Sharma does indeed feature in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, it would mark his first appearance in Indian domestic cricket since the 2016-17 season. Rohit last played for India Blue in the Duleep Trophy, a match that capped off a series of domestic appearances following his stint in the 2015 Ranji Trophy season. 

In 2016, the Indian Test captain also took part in a first-class match for Mumbai, where he faced the visiting New Zealand team. Over the years, Rohit’s commitment to international cricket has kept him away from the domestic circuit, making his potential return to the Duleep Trophy all the more significant.

Virat Kohli, on the other hand, has been absent from the domestic scene for even longer. The former Indian captain last represented his state team, Delhi, in November 2012 during a Ranji Trophy Group B match against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad. Since then, Kohli’s presence in India’s domestic competitions has been rare, making any potential participation in the Duleep Trophy a noteworthy event.

The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the domestic arena would not only bolster the profile of the Duleep Trophy but also offer a rare opportunity for young domestic players to share the field with two of India's modern-day legends. Their involvement would undoubtedly add a new level of excitement to the tournament.

The 2024 edition of the Duleep Trophy is scheduled to begin on September 5. The tournament will be played at Rural Development Trust Stadium in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. 

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Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team is all set to play a bilateral series including two Tests and three T20Is against Bangladesh at home starting September 19. Rohit Sharma will captain the side in Test matches and may not be available for the Duleep Trophy. Virat Kohli is also expected to feature in the Tests and may skip the domestic competition.