Virat Kohli Confirms Availability for Vijay Hazare Trophy, Confirms Delhi Cricket Body

Virat Kohli is set to make a highly anticipated return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after a gap of nearly 15 years. On Tuesday, the DDCA confirmed that the former India captain has made himself available for the domestic one-day tournament. DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma, while speaking to India Today, stated, “Virat Kohli informed DDCA president Rohan Jaitley that he will play VHT,” clearing weeks of speculation over his domestic commitments.

Delhi will begin their Vijay Hazare campaign against Andhra Pradesh on 24 December, and Kohli’s inclusion is expected to significantly boost attendance for what is traditionally a low-profile domestic fixture. The last time Kohli represented Delhi in a List A match was back in February 2010 against Services. His return comes at a time when the BCCI has mandated domestic participation for centrally contracted players who are fit and not on national duty.

Even during the ongoing series against south africa, Kohli who now features only in ODIs for India reaffirmed his exceptional form by smashing his 52nd ODI century in the Ranchi opener. The 37-year-old has transitioned smoothly into focusing on a single format following his Test retirement earlier this year, maintaining the high standards that define his career.

Delhi stands to gain immensely from his participation. The team will be playing their league-stage games at Alur and the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Kohli’s return to Chinnaswamy the ground he has called home throughout his IPL career with Royal Challengers Bengaluru is expected to draw considerable public and media attention.

The impact of Kohli’s presence in domestic Cricket has already been visible this year. His appearance for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy earlier saw close to 12,000 spectators turning up for a match that would typically attract a minimal crowd. This once again highlighted Kohli’s unmatched ability to energize domestic cricket and connect with fans across the country.

Moreover, Kohli’s decision to participate puts an end to all speculation regarding potential workload concerns or disagreements. With India’s ODI schedule expanding in the coming season, his return aligns seamlessly with the BCCI’s approach to ensuring senior players stay connected to the domestic structure.

Rohit Sharma who retired from Tests alongside Kohli is also expected to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai. Both senior Indian batters were in excellent rhythm during the Ranchi ODI against South Africa, with Rohit continuing his strong form following his century in Sydney last month.

Delhi, currently led by Nitish Rana in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, have won two of their four matches so far. Kohli’s inclusion for the one-day tournament provides a massive boost in terms of experience, quality, and leadership, placing Delhi in a stronger position to challenge for the title this season.