Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley has officially confirmed that Virat Kohli will participate in the upcoming 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT), ending the uncertainty following reports that he had declined to play domestic one-day cricket. While Jaitley did not specify the number of matches or the exact fixtures Kohli will feature in, the confirmation alone has created a significant buzz ahead of the tournament.

Kohli, currently in Raipur for India’s ODI series against South Africa, will join Delhi’s VHT campaign that begins on December 24, with all group-stage games scheduled in Alur or Bengaluru.

“He has confirmed his availability to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. How many games he will feature in is not clear yet. Obviously, him being around will be a massive boost to the Delhi dressing room,” Rohan Jaitley told PTI.

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The return marks Kohli’s first VHT appearance since February 2010, a period that predates his rise as one of India’s biggest cricketing icons. In the years that followed, he dominated world cricket across formats, became India’s captain, and evolved into one of the most consistent modern-day greats. His ever-expanding responsibilities and workload meant that domestic cricket took a back seat for nearly a decade and a half.

🚨 VIRAT KOHLI FOR VIJAY HAZARE TROPHY 🚨

– Virat Kohli will be playing Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi. [Vaibhav Bhola] pic.twitter.com/JBOlEW6VzI

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 2, 2025

Kohli did make a rare domestic appearance last year, turning out for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, shortly after the BCCI instructed contracted players to participate in domestic tournaments whenever available. With Kohli stepping away from T20Is earlier in 2024 and retiring from Tests soon after, ODIs remain his only active international format.

Many believe Kohli is gearing up for a final push toward the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa, and the BCCI’s reported suggestion for both him and Rohit Sharma to feature in the VHT is part of maintaining competitive match fitness.

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Kohli’s recent match-winning century in the first ODI against South Africa only reinforced his enduring class. His comeback to domestic one-day cricket after 15 years not only highlights his hunger but also sets the stage for a memorable new chapter in his career.