The Delhi vs Andhra Pradesh encounter in Round 1 of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 has attracted widespread attention, largely due to Virat Kohli's long-awaited return to domestic one-day cricket. It is a rare sight to see the former India captain back in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, making this fixture one of the most anticipated matches of the opening round.
Originally, the contest was scheduled to take place at Bengaluru's iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, due to security concerns, the venue has been shifted to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in the city. As a result, the match will be conducted behind closed doors, with no spectators permitted inside the stadium.
While fans won't be able to watch Kohli from the stands, the match may still
be accessible through broadcast and digital platforms. The game is expected to be aired and streamed via the BCCI's broadcast partners. There's no official word as of now. However, official confirmation regarding live telecast and streaming details is still awaited. Once announced, viewers will have clarity on where and how to tune in.
Kohli's presence in this fixture is particularly special because he has not featured in India's domestic List A circuit for nearly a decade and a half. His last appearance in a 50-over domestic match dates back to 2010, when he represented Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and made a strong impression with the bat. Since then, Kohli's focus has been firmly on international cricket across formats, leaving little room for domestic one-day appearances.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy remains India's premier List A competition, featuring 38 teams divided into Elite and Plate groups, followed by knockout stages. Performances in the tournament often play a key role in shaping future national selections, making Kohli's return even more significant. His overall List A record underlines his pedigree in the format, having amassed close to 16,000 runs across more than 300 matches, including a remarkable tally of half-centuries and centuries.
With Kohli and Rohit Sharma having stepped away from T20 internationals and Test cricket, the 50-over format has now become their primary focus at the international level. Their participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy - Kohli for Delhi and Rohit for Mumbai - is seen as part of maintaining match fitness and rhythm ahead of India's upcoming white-ball assignments.
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