Virat Kohli Confirms Return to Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi After 15 years

Indian cricket's biggest superstar, Virat Kohli, has officially confirmed his availability for the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy. With this announcement, Kohli is set to return to domestic cricket once again, sparking excitement among millions of fans. DDCA (Delhi and District Cricket Association) President Rohan Jaitley confirmed this on Tuesday in a conversation with media agency PTI. Kohli last played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2010, meaning he will represent Delhi in this tournament after 15 years.

This decision comes at a time when the Indian team is undergoing a crucial phase of preparation for the 2027 World Cup, and the team management believes it is important for senior players to remain match-fit through domestic cricket. Kohli's return is big news not only for Delhi but also for Indian cricket.

Return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after 15 years

Virat Kohli is now a one-format player and plays only ODI cricket. He has already retired from Test and T20 Internationals. Despite this, his fitness, class, and consistency remain among the best in the world. Recently, he re-demonstrated his impeccable timing and excellent form with a brilliant innings of 135 in the first ODI against South Africa.

His last Vijay Hazare Trophy match was against Services in 2010, when he was still young and just beginning his career. Now, at the age of 37, his return to domestic soil is a testament to his dedication and professionalism.

Virat is ready to play three matches

DDCA President Rohan Jaitley said:

“Yes, Virat Kohli has confirmed his availability. He is very excited to play for the Delhi team. He will probably play three matches.”

While it is unclear which three matches those will be—Delhi's group matches will be played between December 24 and January 11—there is a good chance Kohli will get some playing time.

Delhi Team Schedule: First Match Against Andhra Pradesh

Delhi will begin its Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 campaign against Andhra Pradesh on December 24th. Delhi will face a total of seven teams in the group stage:

• Andhra Pradesh
• Gujarat
• Saurashtra
• Odisha
• Haryana

Before all these matches, Kohli will join the Indian team just 2-3 days before the ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on January 11th.

Large crowds expected to return to stadiums

When Virat Kohli plays domestic cricket, it's not just a match—it becomes a celebration. This was evident this year when Kohli played in the Ranji Trophy after 12 years, and 12,000+ spectators turned out to watch the match—a rare number for domestic cricket.

The Delhi team hopes that Kohli's arrival will:

• Boost the team's confidence
• Attract more crowds to the ground
• And help the team recover from its recent failures (Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy).

Team Management vs. Senior Players: What's Going On Inside?

For the past few months, there has been talk in the cricket world that Virat Kohliand Rohit Sharma's relationship with the team management—especially Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar—is a bit strained.

It was being said that the team management was encouraging both senior players to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to stay in contention for the 2027 World Cup. This speculation intensified when the ODI captaincy was given to Shubman Gill. But Kohli and Rohit answered all questions with the bat:

• Against Australia: Rohit Sharma 121*, Kohli 74*
• Against South Africa: Kohli 135, Rohit 57
• The duo's 136-run partnership in South Africa showed that experience always matters.

A crucial step in preparation for the 2027 World Cup

Both Kohli and Rohit are in contention for the 2027 World Cup. Therefore, playing domestic cricket is part of a clear strategy by the selectors and team management.

By playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kohli will:

• Maintain his match rhythm
• Help Delhi cricket
• And put himself in a strong position for the 2027 World Cup

Virat Kohli's return to domestic cricket is a new beginning

Virat Kohli's playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is not just news, but an inspirational moment for Indian cricket. The passion, fitness, and dedication he displayed for 16 years in international cricket will now be on display at his home ground.

His return could inject new confidence into Delhi cricket, leading to better performances in the coming years.

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