Virat Kohli will return to domestic cricket later this month, with the DDCA confirming he will play one-day matches for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The tournament starts on December 24 in Ahmedabad.
DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma said Kohli will play in some matches but his full availability is not guaranteed. He added, “He will definitely be part of a few matches but he is not sure of 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 participate in domestic tournaments. This move is aimed at increasing the level of competition and ensuring that players remain match-ready during India’s international schedule.
Kohli is currently only active in ODIs for India. He recently scored his 52nd ODI hundred, a stunning 135, in the opening match against South Africa in Ranchi. His next international assignment will be the ODI series in New Zealand, which starts on January 11, just three days after the Vijay Hazare competition phase ends.
Delhi’s matches are split between Alur near Bengaluru and M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The venue is familiar territory for Kohli as it is the home ground of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Fans will be eager to see him in Delhi colors again, especially as 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 add experience and confidence to a young side. For Indian cricket, his participation reinforces the purpose behind the BCCI directive and brings additional focus to domestic one-day cricket.
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