Virat Kohli Returns to Domestic Cricket, Set to Represent Delhi in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Virat Kohli will return to domestic cricket later this month, with the DDCA confirming that he will play one-day games for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The tournament begins on December 24 in Ahmedabad.

DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma said Kohli will feature in some matches, but his full availability is not guaranteed. He added, “He will definitely be a part of a few games, but not sure about the entire Vijay Hazare Trophy. It will also depend on his matches for India.”

Kohli’s return comes at a time when the BCCI has asked centrally contracted players to take part in domestic tournaments. This move aims to boost the level of competition and ensure players stay match ready around India’s international schedule.

Kohli is currently active only in ODIs for India. He recently scored his 52nd ODI hundred, a superb 135, in the opening match against South Africa in Ranchi. His next international assignment will be the New Zealand ODI series, which starts on January 11, just three days after the Vijay Hazare league phase ends.

Delhi’s fixtures are split between Alur near Bengaluru and the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The venue is familiar territory for Kohli since it is the home ground of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Fans will be eager to see him in Delhi colours again, especially because he has not played List A cricket for the state since 2013. His last appearance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was way back in the 2009–10 season.

For Delhi, even a few games from Kohli will bring experience and confidence to a young squad. For Indian cricket, his participation strengthens the purpose behind the BCCI’s directive and brings added focus to domestic one-day cricket.