Kohli last played the competition in the 2009–10 season. Despite not featuring in domestic 50-over cricket since then, his numbers remain exceptional with 819 runs in 14 matches.
File Photo
Virat Kohli will return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after nearly 15 years, with the tournament scheduled from December 24, 2025, to January 18. DDCA president Rohan Jaitley confirmed his availability, saying Kohli has committed to joining Delhi’s squad this season.
“He has confirmed his availability to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. How many games he will feature in is not clear yet. Obviously, his presence will be a massive boost to the Delhi dressing room,” Jaitley said to PTI.
Advertisement
Kohli last played the competition in the 2009-10 season. Despite not featuring in domestic 50-over cricket since then, his numbers remain exceptional, with 819 runs in 14 matches, including four centuries and three fifties.
Advertisement
The 37-year-old has entered the season in commanding form, having smashed back-to-back centuries in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa. While India won the opener and slipped in the second match, Kohli’s batting has been the biggest positive and has naturally heightened anticipation around both the third ODI and his Vijay Hazare return.
His comeback is also likely to generate unusual buzz around Delhi’s fixtures. Earlier this year, Kohli’s Ranji Trophy appearance drew more than 12,000 spectators, a crowd size rarely seen in domestic red-ball cricket. A similar interest, along with stronger broadcast attention, is expected for the Vijay Hazare matches.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy features 38 teams in a round-robin format leading into the knockouts. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the most successful sides with five titles each, with Karnataka entering as defending champions.
Within the BCCI, head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have been pushing contracted players to take domestic cricket more seriously. A meeting involving Kohli and the selectors is understood to have helped finalise his participation this season.
He won’t be the only senior name returning. Rishabh Pant has also declared his availability for Delhi, while Rohit Sharma has confirmed he will turn out for Mumbai.
Kohli’s recent ODI run has already eased questions around his readiness for the 2027 World Cup cycle. Stepping back into domestic cricket will strengthen Delhi’s squad and send a strong message about preparation.
Advertisement
