India’s top cricketers Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja are all set to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in January 2026. The trio will represent their respective state teams before joining the Indian squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.
All three players have informed their state cricket associations about their availability, as part of fulfilling the mandatory domestic participation rule set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Shubman Gill to Play for Punjab
Shubman Gill, India’s Test and ODI captain, is expected to play two matches for Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Gill’s Expected Matches
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| January 3 | Punjab vs Sikkim | Jaipur |
| January 6 | Punjab vs Goa | Jaipur |
Punjab are placed fourth in Group C, having won two of their three matches so far. The group also includes strong teams like Mumbai.
After these matches, Gill is likely to leave the domestic tournament early to join the Indian ODI squad, which is expected to assemble in Baroda on January 7–8 ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11.
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Ravindra Jadeja to Represent Saurashtra
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has confirmed his availability to the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) and will play two league matches for Saurashtra.
Ravindra Jadeja Expected Matches
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| January 6 | Saurashtra vs Services | Alur, Karnataka |
| January 8 | Saurashtra vs Gujarat | Alur, Karnataka |
Saurashtra currently have one win from three matches and are placed sixth in their group. The group also features Rishabh Pant-led Delhi.
KL Rahul Likely to Turn Out for Karnataka
While the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has not officially confirmed KL Rahul’s schedule, sources suggest he is likely to play two matches for Karnataka.
KL Rahul Probable Matches
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| January 3 | Karnataka vs Tripura | Ahmedabad |
| January 6 | Karnataka vs Rajasthan | Ahmedabad |
Karnataka are currently second in Group A and have a 100% win record, winning all three of their matches so far.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Joins Mumbai Squad
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has confirmed that Yashasvi Jaiswal has reached Jaipur and is expected to play Mumbai’s match against Goa on December 31.
Jaiswal had missed the first three games due to illness but is now fit and available. Mumbai are currently top of Group C, having won all three matches.
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BCCI Pushes Domestic Participation
Most Indian internationals — including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant — have featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to meet domestic requirements.
The only major exception is Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested due to workload management as India’s lead fast bowler.
Kohli, who has already played two matches, is expected to return for Delhi’s January 6 game. Pant, meanwhile, has committed to playing all Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Delhi.
The presence of senior Indian players adds significant value to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, helping young domestic players gain experience alongside international stars. It also underlines the BCCI’s renewed focus on strengthening India’s domestic cricket structure.
