Virat Kohli's return to domestic one-day cricket has reignited excitement around the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and the former India captain will be in focus once again when Delhi face Gujarat in a Group D clash on Friday.
The match will be played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Ground 1, in Bengaluru, with the first ball scheduled for 9:00 AM IST.
Kohli recently marked his comeback to List A cricket for the first time since 2013 in memorable fashion. Turning out for Delhi against Andhra Pradesh, the batting great produced a commanding 131 off 101 deliveries, registering his 58th List A century and guiding his side to a successful 299-run chase. The knock not only underlined his enduring class but also set the tone for Delhi's campaign this season.
Delhi enter the contest brimming with confidence, boasting one of the strongest batting line-ups in the group. Kohli's presence has added further firepower and belief, making them a formidable opponent. Gujarat, however, will not be short on confidence either. They began their tournament with an eight-wicket victory over Services and will be eager to build momentum against a high-profile side.
Historically, Gujarat have had a slight edge in this matchup. The two teams have met three times in List A cricket, with Gujarat winning on two occasions and Delhi once. That said, form and conditions are likely to play a bigger role than past records in this encounter.
The Bengaluru surface is expected to be a batter-friendly one. Traditionally flat and dry, the pitch offers minimal assistance to spinners and rewards stroke play once set. With a morning start, fast bowlers could find some movement early due to residual moisture, but the wicket is likely to ease out as the game progresses. As a result, teams may prefer chasing, especially under clear conditions.
Fans hoping to catch Kohli in action, however, may be left disappointed. The Delhi vs Gujarat match will not be available on live television or digital streaming platforms. While the BCCI has partnered with Star Sports and JioHotstar to broadcast and stream select Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures during the tournament, this particular game will not be accessible to viewers.
Despite the lack of live coverage, anticipation remains high, with supporters keenly tracking updates as Kohli looks to continue his rich vein of form in India's premier domestic 50-over competition.
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