Veteran India batter Virat Kohli has reportedly confirmed his availability for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. The tournament will be held from December 24 to January 18, with Delhi set to play their first match against Andhra on the opening day at the KSCA Cricket Ground in Alur.
However, it remains uncertain whether the 37-year-old will play all seven of Delhi’s league matches, which run until January 8, just three days before India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand begins on January 11 in Vadodara. According to IANS, Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley confirmed Kohli’s participation in the domestic event, stating:
“Virat Kohli has confirmed his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy to us.”
The right-handed batter previously featured in 13 Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Delhi between 2008 and 2010, amassing 819 runs at an impressive average of 68.25 and a strike rate of 106.08. During that period, he notched up four centuries and three half-centuries, with a top score of 124.
Virat Kohli scored a brilliant 135 off 120 balls in the first ODI against South Africa
Virat Kohli was last in action during the first ODI of the three-match series against South Africa, which took place on Sunday, November 30, in Ranchi. The Delhi-born batter was brilliant for the hosts, scoring 135 off 120 balls (his 52nd ODI century), while striking 11 fours and seven sixes as India posted 349. In reply, Kuldeep Yadav starred with four wickets, helping India secure a 17-run victory.
The 37-year-old is set to return for the second ODI, scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Raipur. Kohli will be aiming to contribute once again as India look to seal the series with one game remaining.
Overall, he remains the second-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket, having amassed 14,390 runs in 306 matches at an average of 58.02, including 52 centuries and 75 half-centuries.
Edited by Dev Sharma
