Star India batter Virat Kohli on Tuesday informed the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) that he will be available for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, marking his first appearance in the domestic one-day competition since 2010. “Virat Kohli informed DDCA president Rohan Jaitley that he will play VHT,” DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma told India Today.
The domestic 50-over competition is scheduled to begin on 24 December, with Delhi opening their campaign against Andhra Pradesh. Kohli’s decision effectively dismisses rumours that he had been reluctant to participate, or that he was at odds with the team management over his domestic workload.
The current management—led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar – has been keen for both Kohli and Rohit Sharma to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to ensure adequate match readiness. Ever since the pair returned to international cricket in October 2025 against Australia, their long-term roles have been the subject of considerable discussion, particularly with the 2027 World Cup still two years away.
In the weeks leading up to the Australia series, several reports suggested that senior players would be expected to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy if they intended to remain in contention for future global tournaments. The decision to hand the ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill only intensified scrutiny on the futures of Rohit and Kohli.
However, both answered emphatically on the field. Kohli struck a commanding 135, while Rohit contributed 57 during India’s recent win over South Africa, the duo adding a 136-run stand for the second wicket. After receiving the Player of the Match award, Kohli stated that he did not require “excessive preparation”, a remark interpreted by many as a subtle response to suggestions that he needed domestic game time.
Speculation of friction surfaced again after Kohli appeared to walk past Gambhir in the dressing-room corridor without acknowledgement following the victory.
Delhi’s group-stage fixtures include matches against Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Saurashtra, Odisha, Services, Railways and Haryana, all to be played before 11 January. Kohli last featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2010, when he captained Delhi against Services. His return, 15 years later, is expected to provide both experience and stability to a side seeking improvement after disappointing campaigns in the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
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