Virat Kohli Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 availability confirmed
Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley has confirmed that Virat Kohli will feature in some capacity during the upcoming 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) season. His clarification comes amid strong speculation that the senior batter had declined to take part in India’s premier List-A tournament. While Jaitley did not specify how many matches Kohli would play or identify the fixtures he is likely to join, the confirmation alone has offered clarity to fans and officials who were uncertain about the former India captain’s domestic availability. At 37, Kohli remains an integral part of India’s ODI cricket setup and is currently in Raipur, representing the national side in the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa.
Virat Kohli set to play Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 for Delhi
Virat Kohli's involvement in the VHT could provide Delhi with a major boost, both in performance and morale, especially considering the competition’s significance in shaping India’s domestic one-day landscape. The 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy begins on December 24, with all of Delhi’s group-stage matches scheduled to take place either in Alur or Bengaluru. With Kohli likely to make at least a partial appearance, Delhi’s campaign gains added attention, and supporters will keenly watch how the veteran’s participation influences the team’s prospects.
“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," stated DDCA President Rohan Jaitley.
Virat Kohli last appeared in the Vijay Hazare Trophy back in February 2010, a period when he was still establishing himself in India’s emerging generation of limited-overs talent. His performances in domestic cricket, combined with promising early international outings, paved the way for his selection in the 2011 home World Cup squad. That tournament proved to be a defining chapter in his career, as Kohli not only contributed crucial innings but also solidified his position in India’s long-term plans across formats.
From there, his rise was rapid and decisive. Over the next decade, he evolved into one of the most consistent and influential batters in world cricket. His success, leadership qualities, and aggressive mindset eventually earned him the captaincy, under which India scaled new heights across all formats. Kohli’s journey from a young domestic player in 2010 to becoming an all-time great underscores the significance of every step in his cricketing development.
Kohli’s immense workload, coupled with his responsibilities across formats, gradually pushed domestic cricket out of his schedule, making such appearances virtually nonexistent. He did, however, make a short return to the Ranji Trophy last season, turning out for Delhi against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. That outing came in response to the BCCI’s firm directive instructing all centrally contracted players to participate in domestic tournaments whenever they are not on international duty. Shortly afterward, Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, and having already stepped away from T20Is earlier in 2024, he was left with ODIs as his only active international format.
There are increasing signs that Kohli is gearing up for one final major goal: competing in the 2027 World Cup in Africa. The BCCI has reportedly urged both Kohli and Rohit Sharma to take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to ensure they maintain optimal match fitness. Kohli underlined his continued hunger and class with a match-winning century in the IND vs SA opening ODI, later remarking that he has never believed in excessive preparation. His decision to return to domestic one-day cricket after a 15-year gap adds an emotional and compelling layer to this latest chapter of his career.
