In a spectacular display of enduring class, Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli made a thunderous return to domestic List A cricket, turning out for Delhi in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 season. The 37-year-old batting maestro, after a prolonged absence from the domestic one-day circuit, immediately reaffirmed his status as one of the format's all-time greats with two commanding performances.
Masterclass on Return: Kohli Powers Delhi to Victory
Kohli's highly anticipated comeback began on December 24 against Andhra at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Facing a challenging target of 299, the champion batsman produced an innings of pure mastery. He crafted a brilliant 131 runs off just 101 balls, blending classical strokeplay with controlled aggression to steer Delhi to a thrilling four-wicket victory. This monumental knock was historic, as it propelled him past the landmark of 16,000 runs in List A cricket, making him the fastest player ever to achieve this incredible milestone.
Flawless Follow-up and All-Round Impact
Just two days later, on December 26, Kohli was back in the middle against Gujarat in an Elite Group match at the same venue. Displaying no signs of rust, he delivered another commanding display. Kohli scored a fluent 77 off 61 deliveries, reaching his half-century in a blistering 29 balls to set a powerful foundation for Delhi's innings. His impact was not limited to batting. On the field, he grabbed two crucial catches, contributing significantly to Delhi's tense seven-run win. For his all-round excellence, he was deservedly named the Player of the Match.
Looking Ahead: Kohli's Schedule and Stellar Form
Despite a packed schedule, Kohli is expected to feature in at least one more game for Delhi in the tournament. As per reports, he is scheduled to play against Railways on January 6, 2026, ahead of India's ODI series against New Zealand. This domestic stint comes on the back of superb international form, where he recently scored two centuries against South Africa.
Across competitions, the Indian great has now registered six scores of fifty or more in his recent outings—four for the national team and two for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His aggregate of 208 runs at a brisk strike rate in two matches powered Delhi to consecutive wins and sent a strong message about his unwavering hunger and skill.
Virat Kohli's Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 performance summary:
- Delhi vs Andhra: 131 off 101 balls (Chase of 299)
- Delhi vs Gujarat: 77 off 61 balls, 2 catches (Player of the Match)
The champion's return has electrified the domestic tournament, proving that his appetite for big runs and match-winning contributions remains as strong as ever.
