Bengaluru: India batting superstar Virat Kohli will not be part of Delhi’s next Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Railways on Tuesday, head coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed. Kohli, who marked a sensational return to domestic one-day cricket with scores of 131 and 77, will now shift focus back to international duty as he prepares to rejoin Team India for the ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11.
However, fans do have something to cheer about as pacer Harshit Rana and star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will be available for selection for Tuesday’s game in Alur.
“Virat is not available. Pant and Harshit will be playing tomorrow,” Sarandeep Singh said.
Earlier, DDCA President Rohan Jaitley had hinted that Kohli might participate in three matches for Delhi, but plans have clearly shifted keeping the national commitments in mind.
Delhi Top Group D, Aim To Seal Qualification
Delhi currently sits at the top of Group D, winning four out of five matches. A win against Railways will almost certainly secure their progression further in the tournament.
Kohli’s Next Assignment – New Zealand ODI Series
The three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand begins in Vadodara on January 11, followed by games in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18.
Kohli, now playing only one format regularly, has been in excellent rhythm recently. He smashed two centuries and an unbeaten 65 in the home ODI series against South Africa last month, reaffirming his incredible form ahead of another crucial assignment.