While reports on Tuesday, December 2, suggested that Virat Kohli might skip playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has confirmed that he will be available for selection.
The former India captain is set to take part in the 50-over competition for the first time since 2010. DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma confirmed the development on Tuesday.
“Virat Kohli informed DDCA president Rohan Jaitley that he will play VHT,” DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma told India Today, ending weeks of speculation over Kohli’s participation.
Delhi begin their campaign in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Andhra Pradesh on December 24, a fixture that is now expected to be followed by more fans than usual for a domestic 50-over match. Kohli, who last featured in the competition in February 2010 against Services, has not played a List A game for Delhi since the 2013 NKP Salve Challenger Trophy. His return comes at a time when the BCCI has made domestic appearances mandatory for centrally contracted players who are not injured or on national duty.
Incidentally, Delhi are scheduled to play their group-stage matches in Alur and the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Kohli is one of Bengaluru’s favourite adopted sons after his significant contributions to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) over the years. In IPL 2025, Kohli top-scored for RCB, helping the franchise win their maiden title in the cash-rich league.
Delhi, who are being led by Nitish Rana in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, have won two of their four matches so far. Kohli’s addition for the one-day tournament gives the squad both experience and star power as they look to go the distance.
Kohli is currently playing in the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa. In the first ODI on Sunday, November 30, the right-handed batter slammed his 52nd ODI ton, helping the Men in Blue take a 1-0 lead in the series. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, who also scored an important half-century against the Proteas, is also expected to play for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
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