In a significant development for domestic cricket, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has announced that Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant have been included in the list of probables for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy.
India’s premier one-day tournament. The list also features several players currently participating in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, ensuring continuity and form-based selection.
Kohli had formally informed the DDCA last week that he would be available for selection, marking a rare return to domestic cricket for the veteran batter.
His decision follows the BCCI’s directive issued in November, advising both Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to remain eligible for future India selection, particularly with a heavy international calendar ahead.
“He has nothing to prove, but he still wants to play.”
DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma, speaking to The Indian Express, praised Kohli’s commitment:
“Virat Kohli has confirmed that he will play the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Though he has nothing left to prove, his willingness to participate shows he still retains immense passion for the game.
His recent hundred against South Africa shows he remains one of the best players in the world. His presence in the domestic tournament will be a huge motivation for the youngsters.”
Delhi will begin its campaign against Andhra Pradesh in Alur on December 24.
Kohli’s South Africa Masterclass
The 37-year-old batting icon is coming off a sensational ODI series against South Africa, where he amassed 302 runs in three matches and was named Player of the Series.
Kohli’s performances included back-to-back centuries—135 in Ranchi and 102 in Raipur—followed by a blistering unbeaten 65 off 45 balls in Visakhapatnam that powered India to a commanding nine-wicket victory and sealed a 2–1 series win.
The two centuries took his staggering ODI tally to 53 tons, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest limited-overs batsmen in history.
Rise in ICC Rankings
Following his dominant showing against South Africa, Kohli surged to No. 2 in the ICC ODI batting rankings, sitting just behind Rohit Sharma.
Kohli has not held the No. 1 spot since 2021, when he was overtaken by Pakistan’s Babar Azam.
As Kohli prepares to return to domestic cricket with renewed hunger, and Pant continues his journey back to competitive cricket, Delhi’s prospects in the Vijay Hazare Trophy have suddenly become far more exciting.