Indian veteran cricketer Virat Kohli is set to return to domestic cricket as he prepares to represent Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26. The
former India captain last featured for Delhi during the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, and his return to the domestic setup has generated significant buzz among fans and the cricketing fraternity.
Interestingly, Kohli’s comeback carries a unique twist. Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures were initially scheduled to be played at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru as well as at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, according to reports from The Times of India, all matches will now be held exclusively at the CoE facility, delaying Kohli’s much-anticipated return to the Chinnaswamy Stadium in domestic colours.
The BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru has emerged as a crucial hub for Indian cricket, offering world-class infrastructure and facilities aimed at player development. With several domestic matches now being hosted at the venue, it provides young and experienced players alike an ideal environment to sharpen their skills. If Delhi’s matches take place at the CoE, it will mark Kohli’s first competitive appearance at the facility, an experience that is expected to be special not only for him but also for his teammates.
As per BCCI guidelines, centrally contracted players are required to participate in domestic tournaments when not engaged in international assignments. In line with this mandate, Kohli will feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, lending immense experience and leadership to the Delhi squad. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is set to captain the side during the tournament, with Kohli playing a senior role in the lineup.
Kohli was last seen in Indian colours during the ODI series against South Africa, where he enjoyed a remarkable run of form, scoring two centuries and a half-century in the three-match series. Carrying that momentum into domestic cricket, he will aim to make a strong impact for Delhi before returning to international action. Following the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kohli is expected to feature in India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on January 11.
Delhi squad for the first two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches
Rishabh Pant (capt), Ayush Badoni (vice-capt), Virat Kohli, Arpit Rana, Yash Dhull, Sarthak Ranjan, Priyansh Arya, Tejasvi Singh (wk), Nitish Rana, Hrithik Shokeen, Harsh Tyagi, Simarjeet Singh, Prince Yadav, Divij Mehra, Ayush Doseja, Vaibhav Kandpal, Rohan Rana, Ishant Sharma, Navdeep Saini. Anuj Rawat (standby wicketkeeper)
