Bengaluru, November 12, 2025 — Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli is set to make his much-anticipated return to domestic one-day cricket, as part of Delhi’s squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 season. The move marks Kohli’s first appearance in the domestic one-day competition in 15 years, with his last outing coming in 2010 against Services.
The decision follows the BCCI’s directive requiring senior players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma — both retired from Tests and T20Is — to participate in domestic one-dayers to remain eligible for the Indian ODI team.
Kohli’s return and past record
In his 13 Vijay Hazare Trophy innings, Kohli has accumulated 819 runs at an average of 68.25, including four centuries and three fifties, underscoring his dominance in domestic 50-over cricket. His return to the Delhi lineup adds significant strength ahead of the high-stakes group stage in Bengaluru.
Delhi will play seven matches, two of which are scheduled at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, while the remaining fixtures will take place in Alur.
Vijay Hazare Trophy — Delhi Schedule
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| December 24 | vs Andhra |
| December 26 | vs Gujarat |
| December 29 | vs Saurashtra |
| December 31 | vs Odisha |
| January 3 | vs Services |
| January 6 | vs Railways |
| January 8 | vs Haryana |
Rohit Sharma’s possible return
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma — who last featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy during the 2018–19 semi-final — is also expected to return for Mumbai, which will play all its group matches in Jaipur. Across 24 innings in the tournament, Rohit has scored 823 runs at an average of 37.40, with one century and five fifties.
Kohli’s comeback to the domestic circuit after over a decade is seen as a crucial step in aligning with BCCI’s match-fitness policy, especially ahead of India’s packed ODI schedule leading into 2026.
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