Delhi head coach Vijay Dahiya is keen to have Virat Kohli back in the state dressing room for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. While the experienced batter’s presence would strengthen Delhi’s campaign, Dahiya believes his biggest contribution could come through mentoring the younger players. The coach feels Kohli’s remarkable journey, discipline and approach to the game could offer valuable lessons to aspiring cricketers. Kohli has continued to impress with the bat in India’s ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. He scored a fluent 74 off 51 deliveries, including 13 fours and a six, in the opening match at Eden Park.
His 113-run partnership with captain Shubman Gill helped India secure a five-wicket victory in the rain-affected contest. Speaking to reporters at the Air Force Complex Ground in Palam after Delhi’s Ranji Trophy match against Services, Dahiya made it clear that Kohli would welcome him back if he decided to play in the domestic 50-over competition, which begins on December 14.
“If he wants to play, I would love to have him in this dressing room. I would love to have him there just to talk to the boys. I won’t let him go home. I’ll make him sit in the dressing room and tell the boys about his journey, the hard work, the ethics and the honour of playing for the country,” Vijay Dahiya said.
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However, Kohli’s international commitments could delay his participation. India are scheduled to play a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka on December 13, 16 and 19. As a result, the former India captain is set to miss Delhi’s first three group-stage matches against Goa, Punjab and Rajasthan.
Dahiya has followed Kohli’s development since his junior cricket days and believes the batter’s career offers a valuable blueprint for Delhi’s emerging players. According to the coach, youngsters may not necessarily become another Kohli, but they can achieve success by adopting the right habits and maintaining a strong work ethic.
“I have seen him through all the stages. I can tell the boys where he started and where he is today. There is a pathway. Maybe you cannot become Virat, but you can become someone if you do certain things the right way,” he added.
Kohli made a memorable return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy last season after nearly 15 years away from the tournament. He began with a knock of 131 against Andhra Pradesh before scoring 77 against Gujarat. His two appearances produced 208 runs at an average of 104 and a strike rate of 128.40.
Dahiya also recalled a conversation with Delhi opener Priyansh Arya during the Ranji Trophy match against Services. Chasing a target of 320 in 56 overs, Arya was dismissed for a run-a-ball 15 on the fourth day. The young batter subsequently asked how Kohli would have approached the challenging chase. “He asked me, ‘If Virat was there, how would he have chased this total?’ We worked it out and discussed how he would have approached the chase,” Dahiya revealed.
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Apart from Kohli, Dahiya is also interested in involving veteran India fast bowler Ishant Sharma in Delhi’s domestic setup. Having played 105 Test matches, Ishant possesses considerable experience that could benefit the state’s younger pace bowlers. “Somebody who has played 100 Test matches can come back. He should be here as a mentor for red-ball cricket and share his ideas,” Dahiya said. The coach added that Ishant remains committed to his fitness and bowling, suggesting that he is also available for white-ball cricket.
