Virat Kohli Returns to Domestic Glory: Set for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 with Delhi!

December 2, 2025 – In a move that’s sending shockwaves through Indian cricket, Virat Kohli has confirmed his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, marking his return to domestic 50-over cricket after a whopping 15 years! The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) spilled the beans, with president Rohan Jaitley revealing Kohli’s green light for select matches. This comes hot on the heels of his blistering 52nd ODI ton in Ranchi, proving the King is far from done.

Kohli’s last VHT outing? February 2010, where he smashed 819 runs in 14 games at 68.25 average (4 tons, 3 fifties). Fast-forward to now: Post-Test retirement (May 2025) and T20I exit (post-2024 WC win), he’s ODI-only – but BCCI’s domestic mandate, pushed by coach Gautam Gambhir and selector Ajit Agarkar, has him suiting up. Rohit Sharma? On board too, eyeing Mumbai duty. With the tournament kicking off December 24 (ending January 18), Kohli eyes multiple Delhi games before NZ ODIs (Jan 11).

Why Now? BCCI’s Domestic Push Meets Kohli’s Fire

Rumors swirled post-Ranchi: Kohli’s “mental prep over physical” quip seemed a soft no to domestic duties. But sources confirm a U-turn – availability locked for Delhi’s Group D opener vs Andhra at Alur (Dec 24). Schedule aligns perfectly: SA ODIs end Dec 6 (Vizag), NZ series starts Jan 11 (Vadodara) – ample window for 4-5 games.

BCCI’s rationale? Keep stars sharp for 2027 ODI WC. Gambhir and Agarkar insist: No internationals, no rest – play state when free. Rohit echoed, confirming Mumbai participation after Ranji stint last season. Kohli’s nod? Fitness focus post-retirements, plus Delhi pride – his boyhood team.

Last domestic 50-over? 2013 Challenger Trophy. VHT absence? Busy international calendar. Now? Selective return – expect fireworks in Karnataka venues (Delhi’s away slate).

Delhi’s Delhi Boy: What Kohli Brings to VHT 2025-26

Group D foes: Gujarat, Services, Saurashtra, Odisha, Railways, Haryana, Andhra. Kohli’s presence? Instant boost – DDCA buzzes with ticket frenzy. Past magic: 2010 tons vs Kerala (113), Railways (130*) – averages 68, SR over 106. Current form? Ranchi 135 (7 sixes) screams vintage.

Impact? Mentorship for youngsters like Ayush Badoni; pressure on bowlers. Delhi’s aim? Knockouts – Kohli’s the X-factor. BCCI perks? Match fees (₹40k/game) fund DDCA infra.

Rohit Joins the Fray: Mumbai’s Hitman Eyes Return

Not alone: Rohit Sharma, Kohli’s opening foil, signals Mumbai availability. Last VHT? 2018 (partial). Post-Test retirement, he’s all-in on white-ball – SMAT too. MCA confirms: “Rohit keen.” With 2027 WC looming, it’s rhythm-building gold.

Dynamic duo? Separate states, shared mission – BCCI’s policy paying dividends.

BCCI’s Bigger Picture: No Review, T20I Picks Loom

No Tuesday review meeting – Agarkar skipped Raipur (watched SMAT in Ahmedabad). Wednesday? T20I squad announcement vs SA (Dec 9-19). Bumrah recalls likely; Hardik Pandya (SMAT form) in mix. Gill? Neck recovery on track, but touch-and-go.

Policy roots? Gambhir-Agarkar duo demands domestic time – Ranji 2024-25 saw stars shine. Kohli’s buy-in? Harmony restored post-Ranchi “mental prep” buzz.

What It Means for Indian Cricket: Legacy & Future

Kohli’s return? Bridge between eras – inspires U-19s, sharpens WC edge. Stats? 14,500+ ODI runs, 52 tons – domestic hitters like him keep selectors happy. Risks? Injury niggles, but selective play minimizes.

Fan frenzy? #ViratInVHT trends; memes blend nostalgia (“2010 Kohli vs 2025 King?”). Global ripple: Babar Azam eyes Pakistan domestics; Root lauds “Indian blueprint.”

Final Verdict: Kohli’s Domestic Dawn – WC Warm-Up or Legacy Lap?

15 years later, Kohli’s VHT encore? Timely tonic for form, fitness, fire. Delhi dreams big; India eyes 2027 glory. Watch Dec 24 – Alur awaits the roar.

Who’s excited? Drop your predictions!

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