Batting superstar Virat Kohli is reportedly set to make a return to domestic 50-over cricket, with plans to feature for the Delhi team in the upcoming 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT). The premier domestic one-day tournament is scheduled to run from December 24 to January 18.
According to a Times of India report on Sunday, November 30, Kohli will briefly travel back to London after the conclusion of the three-match ODI series against South Africa on December 6, before returning to India to join the Delhi squad.
The decision comes after reports emerged on Saturday that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) advised both Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in the VHT to stay match-fit and aid the board’s planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup. While Rohit is expected to play for Mumbai, the report states, “it is understood that Virat plans to play some Vijay Hazare Trophy games for Delhi in Bengaluru.”
While no formal communication has yet been made to the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), the report suggests Kohli had broadly finalized his schedule in Australia earlier this year. His participation may be adjusted based on the national team’s schedule for the New Zealand ODIs, which begin on January 11, but he is expected to feature in a few VHT matches starting December 24.
Kohli’s Impressive VHT Record
Kohli, who holds the record for the most ODI centuries, boasts an exceptional record in the VHT, having last played the tournament for Delhi in 2010.
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Best Score | 100s/50s |
| 13 | 13 | 819 | 68.25 | 106.08 | 124 | 4/3 |
During his initial stint from 2008 to 2010, Kohli amassed 819 runs at an outstanding average of $68.25$ and a strike rate of $106.08$, including four centuries and three fifties. He also captained Delhi in five matches in 2010, winning three of them.