The domestic calendar often serves as a necessary proving ground and conditioning tool for India’s premier international cricketers. The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 was no exception, drawing massive attention not only due to high-stakes competition but also the participation of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. While the presence of these global icons elevated the technical quality of the tournament, it was an unscripted moment of camaraderie that captured the imagination of fans, blending high-level performance with a genuine human connection.
The Roar of the Hitman: A Century on Christmas Eve
Representing Mumbai, Rohit Sharma`s return to List A cricket was nothing short of spectacular. His opening fixture against Sikkim in Jaipur became an immediate demonstration of dominance. Facing an inexperienced bowling attack, the former India skipper delivered a textbook lesson in white-ball batting.
Match Summary (Mumbai vs Sikkim):
- Rohit Sharma Score: 155 runs off 94 balls.
- Boundaries: 18 fours and 9 sixes.
- Result: Mumbai cruised to an eight-wicket victory, chasing 237 in just 30.3 overs.
The performance was noteworthy not just for its sheer destructive power, but also the atmosphere it created. A near-capacity crowd of approximately 20,000 converged on Christmas Eve to witness the ‘Hitman carnage.’ For fans, it was a rare and thrilling opportunity to observe international-grade power hitting up close, underscoring the vital role domestic tournaments play in connecting stars with regional audiences.
The Unscripted Reunion: Autograph on a Glove
Beyond the scorecard statistics, the most shared moment of Rohit’s brief VHT stint involved former teammate, the seasoned pacer Dhawal Kulkarni. Kulkarni and Sharma share a long history, having played together extensively for the Mumbai domestic team and later as colleagues for the Mumbai Indians franchise in the IPL.
The reunion in the dressing room offered a quiet, profound counterpoint to the high-pressure environment of competitive cricket. A video circulating widely on social media captured Kulkarni approaching Rohit, not as a former professional contemporary, but as a fan requesting a keepsake. Kulkarni presented his batting glove, asking Rohit to sign it—a gesture instantly met with acceptance. Rohit obliged, signing the equipment and cementing a small, touching piece of memorabilia.
This exchange resonated deeply with the cricket community, serving as a reminder that behind the massive contracts and international pressure, deep professional friendships and mutual respect endure. It highlighted Kulkarni’s admiration for Rohit`s current stature, even among those who have shared the dressing room for years.
A Taste of Humility: The Golden Duck
In a sport governed by glorious uncertainties, balance is inevitable. Following his commanding century against Sikkim, Rohit’s second outing against Uttarakhand provided a sharp contrast. The batter was dismissed for a golden duck, a quick reminder that even the game`s elite players are susceptible to momentary technical lapses or exceptional bowling.
Despite Rohit’s brief failure, the Mumbai team showcased their depth, posting a formidable total of 331 for seven. Key contributions came from the middle order:
- Hardik Tamore: 93 not out (82 balls)
- Sarfaraz Khan: 55 runs (49 balls)
- Musheer Khan: 55 runs (56 balls)
Musheer Khan further contributed with the ball, claiming two crucial wickets (2/57) as Mumbai successfully defended their total, limiting Uttarakhand to 280 for nine, despite a strong effort from opener Yuvraj Choudhary (96 off 96 balls).
Transitioning Back to the Global Stage
Rohit Sharma`s participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy served its intended purpose: a brief, intense exposure to competitive List A cricket, ensuring match readiness. His domestic tenure concluded swiftly, allowing him to return home in preparation for the upcoming international commitments. The focus now shifts back to the highly anticipated One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, scheduled to commence on January 11th.
His VHT performance—a combination of spectacular domination, a momentary failure, and a viral display of friendship—encapsulates the multifaceted reality of life as an elite athlete navigating both the pressures of scoring runs and the importance of professional lineage.
Rupert Hartwell 
Adrian Whitmore