Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley has confirmed that Virat Kohli will always be welcome to represent his home state in domestic cricket whenever his international commitments and workload allow. Kohli returned to India’s premier 50-over domestic competition, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, last year and immediately made an impact.

The former India captain smashed a commanding 131 off 101 deliveries for Delhi against Andhra, playing a key role in a successful run chase. Following the BCCI’s directive requiring contracted players to participate in domestic cricket when available, DDCA officials had also indicated that Kohli remained in contention for future white-ball matches for Delhi during suitable domestic windows.

The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026-27 season is scheduled to begin on December 14. However, India’s three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka runs from December 13 to 19, making Kohli’s participation in the domestic tournament highly unlikely if he is selected for the national side. 

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“This is his home association. There is no question of us being open. This state is as much his as it belongs to me. And his commitment to play for the state is impeccable,” Jaitley told India Today. “Whenever available, keeping his international commitments and workload management in mind, he definitely and certainly will play for the state again,” he added.

Kohli is scheduled to return to international action during India’s three-match ODI series against the West Indies, beginning September 27. He is then expected to travel to New Zealand for a five-match ODI series in November before India host Sri Lanka in December.

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His availability for Delhi could therefore depend heavily on the international calendar and workload management. Virat Kohli made his Ranji Trophy return for Delhi in 2025 after a 13-year gap, shortly before announcing his Test retirement. Later that year, he also featured in two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Delhi. With the veteran batter continuing his ODI career, Delhi will hope another domestic opportunity opens up for their star player.