Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has decided to play for Delhi in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, which starts on December 24. This marks a major moment for domestic cricket fans because Kohli last played in the tournament 15 years ago, in 2010. His return has been officially confirmed by Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley, who shared that the team is very excited to have him back.
Kohli, now 37, is one of India’s most experienced and celebrated batters. After retiring from Test cricket and T20Is, he is now focusing on staying fit and maintaining form for ODI cricket, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. His decision to participate in domestic one-day cricket is seen as a positive step not only for Delhi but also for Indian cricket, as it sets an example for younger players.
In recent months, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been encouraging senior and experienced players to take part in domestic tournaments. This ensures that top-level players remain connected with India’s domestic cricket system and also helps strengthen the overall competition.
Kohli has responded to this call by making himself available for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. According to DDCA president Rohan Jaitley, the communication from Kohli has been clear and enthusiastic. “He has confirmed his availability to us, and we look forward to him playing for Delhi,” Jaitley said while speaking to Sportstar.
This marks a significant moment because Kohli has been away from domestic one-day cricket for a long time. His last appearance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was back in 2010 when he played against Services. In that match, he scored 16 runs off eight balls while batting at number five. At that time, he was still early in his international career. Since then, he has gone on to become one of the world’s leading batsmen, winning matches for India across formats.
Now, by choosing to return, Kohli is showing that domestic cricket still holds value for even the biggest names in Indian cricket. His decision also sends a message to upcoming players about the importance of staying rooted in the domestic structure.
ALSO READ: Global alert issued as 6,000 jets face urgent updates to prevent flight-control failures
Kohli is likely to feature in at least three matches during the Vijay Hazare Trophy season. Delhi’s first match is scheduled for December 24 against Andhra in Alur. However, the final number of matches he plays will depend on his workload and upcoming commitments with the national team.
There is a possibility that Kohli might choose to play the last three league games instead of the first three, depending on his schedule. This is because he is also expected to participate in the ODI series against New Zealand, which is around the same time. Managing workload has been a major focus for Indian players in recent years, especially for senior cricketers who are preparing for long-term goals such as the next World Cup.
Delhi’s team management is preparing for both scenarios and is simply happy that Kohli will be available for a part of the tournament. Even a few matches from a player of his stature can boost the morale of the entire team.
Virat Kohli has been in excellent touch in recent months. His ODI performances have been particularly strong, which is encouraging for both Delhi and Team India. He scored 74 runs in the third ODI against Australia in Sydney and followed it up with a brilliant 135 in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi.
These scores demonstrate that Kohli remains one of the most consistent and dependable batsmen in world cricket. His ability to perform under pressure continues to be a major strength. Delhi’s team members are likely to benefit from playing alongside him, not just because of his batting skills but also due to his leadership experience and game sense.
Kohli has two more matches left in the ongoing ODI series. After completing those games, he might take a short break to spend time with his family before joining Delhi for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His presence in the dressing room will also be valuable for young players who rarely get a chance to share the field with someone of his calibre during domestic tournaments.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy is one of the most important tournaments in India’s domestic calendar. Having Kohli back in the Delhi squad is expected to significantly strengthen the team. His experience, fitness, and strong batting form will play a crucial role in Delhi’s performance.
Fans in Delhi and across India are also excited about this development. Seeing Kohli in a domestic match is a rare sight, and stadiums are expected to attract large crowds. His return adds a sense of excitement and prestige to the tournament.
For Delhi, this is not just about having a star player. It is about gaining confidence, improving team balance, and creating a winning atmosphere. Kohli’s involvement will likely encourage other senior players to participate more regularly in the domestic circuit.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash