Virat Kohli Ends Domestic Hiatus Ahead of Tournament

Cricket superstar Virat Kohli is poised to return to domestic cricket in India’s prestigious Vijay Hazare Trophy after an absence of 15 years. Representing Delhi, the 50-over tournament begins on 24 December, and the DDCA has officially confirmed Kohli’s participation.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has reiterated that players wishing to continue their national careers must remain active in domestic competitions. Reports indicate that Rohit Sharma had previously informed BCCI selectors of his wish to participate in the tournament. Initially, Kohli had refused, preferring to focus on international duties.

Sources informed NDTV, “The issue revolves around the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He doesn’t want to play, but if Rohit is taking part, how can one player be treated differently? What would this imply for other players?”

Now 37, Kohli exclusively plays ODIs for India, and BCCI rules mandate that contracted players must engage in domestic cricket. DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma told ESPNcricinfo, “He will play some matches, but whether he features throughout the tournament will depend on India’s international schedule.”

Kohli’s last appearance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was during the 2009–10 season, prior to India’s home ODI series against South Africa, playing his final match on 18 February 2010. Across 14 matches, he has scored four centuries and three fifties, averaging 68.25 at a strike rate of 106.08.

Delhi will compete in the ‘D’ group alongside Gujarat, Services, Saurashtra, Odisha, Railways, Haryana, and Andhra. Their opening match on 24 December is against Andhra. With the South Africa ODI series ending on 6 December, Kohli has sufficient preparation time. He last played 50-over cricket for Delhi in the 2013 NKP Salve Challenger Trophy.