Has Virat Kohli Confirmed His Participation in the VHT?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Virat Kohli will play for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
- Kohli scored a century in his recent ODI match.
- His experience will be crucial for Delhi's campaign.
- The tournament runs from December 24 to January 18.
- Kohli's last appearance in the tournament was over ten years ago.
New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) Rohan Jaitley, the president of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), has officially confirmed to IANS that the iconic Virat Kohli will represent Delhi in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy tournament.
In a conversation with IANS, Jaitley remarked, “Virat Kohli has assured us of his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.”
Recently, Kohli, aged 37, achieved a century during the first ODI of India’s three-match series against South Africa held in Ranchi on November 30.
This return to domestic cricket follows earlier speculations that he might not participate. With Jaitley’s announcement, Delhi can now strategize their campaign featuring one of India’s most seasoned players.
The 2025–26 edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy is slated to take place from December 24 to January 18. Kohli’s inclusion will significantly bolster Delhi's squad, which has been striving to enhance its white-ball format and achieve better consistency in domestic competitions. His experience ensures both stability in the batting lineup and leadership for a relatively young team.
Kohli's last stint in the Vijay Hazare Trophy occurred over ten years ago.
During his participation in the tournament from 2008 to 2010, Kohli played 13 matches, amassing 819 runs at an impressive average of 68.25 and a strike rate of 106.08. His record showcases four centuries and three fifties, with a top score of 124, underscoring his early impact in the tournament before establishing himself in the national setup.
His presence will undoubtedly serve as a significant advantage for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, especially since the state association's teams have struggled in recent domestic competitions, facing defeats against teams like Jammu & Kashmir and Tripura.
Kohli has stepped back from both the Test and T20I formats and is currently available only for ODIs in the national squad. He also plays for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League.