DDCA Confirms Virat Kohli To Play Upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy

Virat Kohli is set to return to domestic cricket for Delhi in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier domestic 50-over competition. This announcement by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) aligns with the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) mandate for contracted players to participate in domestic tournaments.

The 37-year-old Kohli, who now exclusively represents India in the 50-over format, will feature in Delhi’s campaign beginning December 24 in Ahmedabad. DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma told ESPNcricinfo, “He will definitely play a few games, but not sure about the entire tournament. It will depend upon his India matches too.”

Timing And Schedule Considerations

Kohli recently smashed his 52nd ODI century against South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi, earning Player of the Match honors with a sparkling 135, including seven sixes. After the final ODI in the ongoing South Africa series concludes on December 6 at Visakhapatnam, Kohli is expected to have ample time before the Vijay Hazare Trophy kicks off.

The tournament runs through January 8, just three days before the ODI series against New Zealand begins in Vadodara. It remains uncertain if Kohli will participate in all seven of Delhi’s league matches.

Delhi’s schedule includes five group matches at Alur near Bengaluru and two games at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli’s IPL home ground with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Kohli’s Domestic 50-Over Roots

Kohli last featured in 50-over domestic cricket for Delhi in the September 2013 NKP Salve Challenger Trophy. He also played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in the 2009-10 season, leading Delhi in both tournaments. This return marks a notable resumption of Kohli’s domestic one-day career after more than a decade focused on international cricket.

Currently, in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy—the domestic T20 competition—Delhi have performed well under captain Nitish Rana, winning two of their four games.

With this move, Kohli aims to maintain match fitness and form ahead of critical upcoming international fixtures, contributing both experience and leadership for his state side.