In a significant boost for domestic cricket, Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has confirmed his participation in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. The Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) president, Rohan Jaitley, made the announcement on Tuesday, revealing that the star batter will be available for the 50-over tournament beginning December 24.
Kohli's Domestic Comeback Continues
This marks a historic return for Kohli to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, a tournament he last played in February 2010 against Services. Now 37, Kohli has transitioned to being a one-format player for India, focusing solely on ODIs after retiring from Test cricket earlier this year and from T20 Internationals following India's 2024 T20 World Cup win in Barbados.
Kohli's decision aligns with the BCCI's mandate for centrally contracted players to participate in domestic cricket when not on national duty or injured. He is currently engaged in the ODI series against South Africa, where he recently notched up his 52nd ODI century in the series opener at Ranchi, demonstrating his enduring class.
Massive Boost for Delhi and Domestic Cricket
"He has confirmed his availability to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. How many games he will feature in, that is not clear yet. Obviously, him being around will be a massive boost to the Delhi dressing room," Jaitley told PTI.
Delhi will open their campaign against Andhra in Bengaluru on December 24, playing a total of six matches in the group stage. Kohli's presence is expected to draw enormous crowds, reminiscent of his Ranji Trophy appearance earlier this year. That first-class comeback after over 12 years saw more than 12,000 fans flock to the ground, creating an unprecedented spectacle for a domestic match.
Following the Trend of Senior Stars Returning
Kohli is not alone in returning to the domestic fold. His former captain, Rohit Sharma, who also retired from Tests ahead of the England tour, is expected to play for Mumbai in the same tournament. Both veterans showed strong form in the recent ODI series opener against South Africa in Ranchi, having returned to international cricket during last month's tour of Australia.
Kohli's return to the Ranji Trophy earlier this year was part of his preparation for international cricket, though it was followed by his surprising retirement from Tests. His upcoming stint in the Vijay Hazare Trophy underscores his commitment to the domestic structure and provides fans a rare opportunity to see the modern great in action on the home circuit.
