Rohit Sharma’s return to domestic T20 confirmed: Mumbai boost in SMAT knockout, but ambassador role in 2026 WC

Rohit Sharma, the hitman who retired from T20Is after leading India to victory in 2024, is set to make a comeback in domestic T20s. He has confirmed his availability for Mumbai’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26 Knockout to be held in Indore from December 12-18. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed his intention after the ongoing ODI series against South Africa, where Rohit has played in the first two matches, including an innings of 52 in Raipur. He will travel straight to Indore from Visakhapatnam (third ODI on December 6), adding star power to the unbeaten Mumbai team, which has topped Elite Group A with 16 points from four wins.

Rohit’s last SMAT match? The 2011-12 season—almost 14 years ago—was when he scored an unbeaten 101 in the then Inter State T20. The withdrawal coincides with BCCI’s push to prioritize domestic preparations for centrally contracted players amid concerns about senior stars playing less following T20I and Test retirements. The selectors are continuously monitoring the fitness of Rohit and Virat Kohli ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup; Both have given the nod to the Vijay Hazare Trophy from December 24, but Rohit is also adding SMAT to bridge the month-long ODI gap before New Zealand in January. A BCCI official clarified: “No one forced him – it is his choice.”

The move also serves as preparation for IPL 2026 for the Mumbai Indians captain, whose recent T20 action since retirement has been IPL-exclusive. Knockout games—perhaps quarters on December 12, semis on the 15, finals on the 18—offer a chance to build rhythm without the full league grind. Rohit’s domestic red-ball cameo earlier this year (Ranji vs Jammu & Kashmir) indicates his commitment to staying fast.

T20 WC 2026: Rohit’s ambassador role, no return

Speculations about him not retiring from T20I for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – which India and Sri Lanka will co-host from February 7 to March 8 – are baseless. The 20-team mega-tournament, which will feature 55 matches across eight venues (Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the final, Eden Gardens and Wankhede for the semi-finals, as well as Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata in India; Colombo and Kandy in Sri Lanka), will grow with the addition of new entrants like Italy. Defending champion India, under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, will play its first match against USA at Wankhede on February 7; The India-Pakistan blockbuster will release on February 14 in Colombo.

Rohit, who has been away from the pitch, has stepped up as a tournament ambassador—a first for an active-era icon—launching India’s navy blue and orange Adidas kit with Tilak Verma during the SA ODI break. Recalling the 2007 and 2024 wins, he said, “It is a matter of pride… I wish the team all the best to defend at home.” No signs of withdrawal; His focus remains on ODI and domestic matches.