The Vijay Hazare Trophy has once again become a major talking point in Indian cricket, but not only because of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While the return of India’s most celebrated batters has undeniably boosted interest in domestic one-day cricket, the tournament is also quietly highlighting the depth of talent waiting beyond the superstar glare. Players like Prithvi Shaw, Rishabh Pant, Rinku Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, and several others are using this platform to remind selectors that Indian cricket’s future is being shaped match by match, far away from the usual headlines.
This season of the Vijay Hazare Trophy is a reminder that domestic cricket is not just a warm-up stage for legends but a proving ground for ambition, resilience, and redemption.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy has once again become a major talking point in Indian cricket, but not only because of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While the return of India’s most celebrated batters has undeniably boosted interest in domestic one-day cricket, the tournament is also quietly highlighting the depth of talent waiting beyond the superstar glare. Players like Prithvi Shaw, Rishabh Pant, Rinku Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, and several others are using this platform to remind selectors that Indian cricket’s future is being shaped match by match, far away from the usual headlines.
This season of the Vijay Hazare Trophy is a reminder that domestic cricket is not just a warm-up stage for legends but a proving ground for ambition, resilience, and redemption.
Kohli and Rohit Bring the Spotlight Back to ODIs
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s decision to return to domestic cricket came at a crucial time. With both players having stepped away from Tests and T20 Internationals, their focus is now entirely on the ODI format. In an era dominated by T20 leagues and fast-paced cricket, the one-day format has struggled to command the same excitement. Their presence in the Vijay Hazare Trophy changed that instantly.
Rohit Sharma announced his arrival with a breathtaking 155 off just 94 balls for Mumbai, demolishing Sikkim and reminding everyone why he is regarded as one of the finest white-ball batters of all time. Kohli responded in trademark fashion, smashing a fluent 131 off 101 balls for Delhi and guiding his team to a comfortable chase of a stiff total. These performances dominated social media, news headlines, and fan discussions, bringing rare attention to a domestic tournament.
Devdutt Padikkal’s Marathon Knock That Deserved More Applause
One of the most remarkable innings of the tournament came from Devdutt Padikkal, yet it barely made waves. Chasing a massive target of 413, Padikkal played an exceptional knock of 147 off 118 balls for Karnataka. It was an innings built on composure, smart shot selection, and endurance — qualities that are invaluable in ODIs.
What made it even more special was the pressure of the chase. Scoring runs while chasing such a huge total requires not just skill but mental strength. Padikkal followed it up with another century in the next match, proving consistency rather than a one-off performance. Despite this, his efforts were largely overshadowed by the centuries scored by Kohli and Rohit around the same time.
Rinku Singh Strengthens His Case With Match-Winning Knocks
Rinku Singh has already earned a reputation as a finisher in T20 cricket, but his Vijay Hazare Trophy performances show that his game extends well beyond the shortest format. Turning out for Uttar Pradesh, Rinku delivered back-to-back impactful innings that directly influenced match outcomes.
He began with a brisk 67 off 48 balls and followed it up with a stunning 106 off just 56 deliveries, packed with boundaries and clean sixes. These knocks showcased his ability to shift gears, control an innings, and dominate bowlers — skills selectors look for in limited-overs cricket. Yet, with the spotlight firmly fixed on India’s senior stars, Rinku’s contributions didn’t receive the recognition they deserved.
Rishabh Pant’s Quiet Comeback Amid Loud Headlines
Rishabh Pant’s journey back to form has been closely watched, and the Vijay Hazare Trophy is an important step in that process. After a disappointing start against Andhra Pradesh, where he managed only five runs, Pant showed character by bouncing back with a well-constructed 70 against Gujarat.
Unfortunately for Pant, that innings came in the same match where Kohli scored a fluent 77, ensuring that most of the attention stayed with the former India captain. Still, Pant’s knock was significant. It highlighted his ability to recover quickly from failure, stay composed under pressure, and contribute meaningfully to the team — all crucial traits for a player fighting his way back into the national setup.
Prithvi Shaw’s Uphill Battle for Relevance
For Prithvi Shaw, the Vijay Hazare Trophy represents more than just another domestic tournament. Once seen as a future star of Indian cricket, Shaw has slipped down the pecking order and now faces stiff competition from younger and more consistent performers.
His contributions so far — including 46 off 39 balls against Punjab and 51 off 47 balls against Sikkim — have been decent but not extraordinary. In a tournament where centuries and explosive innings are grabbing attention, these scores are unlikely to shift selectors’ opinions. Shaw’s challenge is clear: to break through the noise, he needs a defining performance that cannot be ignored, regardless of who else is playing.
Sarfaraz and Musheer Khan: Solid Efforts, Minimal Recognition
The Khan brothers, Sarfaraz and Musheer, also exemplify how domestic performances can go unnoticed when superstars are involved. In a match where Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck, both brothers scored well-crafted half-centuries, contributing 55 runs each.
Under normal circumstances, such performances would earn praise. But with Rohit’s presence dominating the narrative — even in failure — their efforts barely found mention. It underlines a harsh reality of cricket: when legends are on the field, others must produce exceptional, headline-worthy feats to gain attention.
Domestic Cricket’s Silent Message to Selectors
The Vijay Hazare Trophy this season is more than a stage for star comebacks. It is a reminder to selectors that Indian cricket’s strength lies in its depth. While Kohli and Rohit bring experience and star power, players like Padikkal, Rinku, Pant, Shaw, and the Khan brothers are quietly building their cases with bat and ball.
These performances may not always trend online, but they shape the future of Indian cricket. As the tournament progresses, it continues to tell stories of hunger, resilience, and opportunity — stories that deserve to be heard beyond the shadow of superstardom.
In the end, the Vijay Hazare Trophy proves one thing clearly: while legends light up the stage, it is the unsung performers who keep domestic cricket alive and thriving.