Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has communicated his availability to the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) as he prepares to return to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time since 2010..
DDCA President Confirms Kohli’s Participation in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Kohli, who is approaching the final stages of his international career and focusing on the 2027 World Cup, was advised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to participate in the domestic tournament to maintain his fitness for the upcoming marquee event. DDCA president Rohan Jaitley confirmed Kohli's availability for a few games, stating,
"Yes, that's right. He has given his availability," during a conversation on Tuesday evening (December 2).. However, it is unlikely that Kohli will play in all the matches for Delhi, as the Vijay Hazare Trophy runs from December 24 to January 18.
Kohli previously did not make himself available ahead of the first ODI, leading to speculation that he might skip the Vijay Hazare. His stance changed after the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi, where he scored his 83rd international century, contributing significantly to India's lead in the series.
"I've never been a big believer in a lot of preparation, if that makes sense. All my cricket has been mental. As long as I feel mentally prepared to play the game, I work physically very hard every day of my life. It's got nothing to do with cricket anymore; it's the way I live," Kohli remarked at the post-match presentation after the first ODI. These comments were largely seen as a push-back against the BCCI’s directives.
BCCI Enforces Domestic Participation Rule for Senior Players
Nevertheless, the BCCI has mandated that international players must participate in domestic competitions if they wish to continue playing at the top level. This requirement prompted both Kohli and Rohit Sharma to inform their respective boards of their availability for the upcoming Vijay Hazare tournament.
In related news, a meeting was scheduled to take place today in Raipur ahead of the second ODI, involving Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and top officials from the BCCI, including chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir.
This meeting was intended to discuss the veterans' potential future in ODI cricket and address the communication gap between the players and coach Gambhir. However, it appears that the meeting was cancelled, as Agarkar, who was in Ahmedabad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, did not travel to Raipur.
Selectors Poised to Reveal T20I Squad; Hardik’s Return on the Cards
Meanwhile, selectors are expected to announce the T20 squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, which could see the potential return of Hardik Pandya back i the team, who was last seen during the Asia Cup 2025, while the return of Shubman Gill is paused as of now, as the Indian test captain might take a bit more time to recover.
India will face South Africa in a five-match T20I series from December 9 to 19, following the third and final ODI in Visakhapatnam on December 6.
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