Virat Kohli is set to make a remarkable return to India’s premier domestic List-A tournament, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, after a 15-year gap. The 50-over tournament, scheduled to begin on 24 December, will see Kohli representing Delhi. The Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) has confirmed the legendary batsman’s participation.
The move comes in the wake of a strong directive from India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, who has repeatedly stressed that any player wishing to continue representing the national side must remain active in domestic cricket. Earlier, sources had revealed to Indian media outlet NDTV that Rohit Sharma had informed the BCCI selection committee about his desire to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Initially, however, Kohli had been reluctant to return to the domestic circuit for this tournament.
Insiders revealed to the media: “The issue revolves around the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Simply put, he doesn’t want to play in this tournament. But if Rohit Sharma is willing to participate, can an exception be made for just one player? What message would that send to other players? Nobody should be treated differently.”
At 37, Kohli currently represents India exclusively in One-Day Internationals. BCCI mandates that contracted cricketers participate in domestic competitions to maintain their eligibility for national selection. DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma told ESPNcricinfo, “He will definitely play in some matches. Whether he features throughout the tournament will depend on India’s schedule.”
Kohli last featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy during the 2009–10 season, prior to India’s home series against South Africa. On 18 February 2010, he played his final match in this tournament. Over 14 matches in the competition, Kohli has amassed 68.25 runs at a strike rate of 106.08, including four centuries and three fifties.
Delhi will compete in the ‘D’ group alongside Gujarat, Services, Saurashtra, Odisha, Railways, Haryana, and Andhra. Their opening match on 24 December will see them face Andhra. With the ODI series against South Africa concluding on 6 December, Kohli will have ample time to prepare for domestic action. The last time he played 50-over cricket for Delhi was in the 2013 NKP Salve Challenger Trophy.