Former Team India skipper Virat Kohli is reportedly set to make himself available for his state team, Delhi, in the upcoming domestic 50-over tournament, the Vijay Hazare Trophy. After the three-match ODI series against South Africa, he is expected to travel to London and is likely to join the Delhi squad in Bengaluru.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy will take place between December 24 and January 18, and the BCCI is reportedly urging senior cricketers to participate. Notably, the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa will conclude on December 6, after which senior players may be available for at least a few matches.
Virat Kohli Likely To Make Himself Available for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy
According to a report in the Times of India, Virat Kohli is expected to make himself available for Delhi in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. The report stated that Kohli will travel to London for a brief break after the conclusion of the ODI series.
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However, the right-handed batter is likely to join the Delhi squad in Bengaluru and play a few matches in the domestic one-day tournament.
“While Rohit is likely to turn up for Mumbai, it is understood that Virat plans to play some Vijay Hazare Trophy games for Delhi in Bengaluru,” the TOI report read.
“Before that, though, Virat is likely to fly back to London after the culmination of the three ODIs vs South Africa but could well link up with the Delhi team in Bengaluru.”
DDCA Yet to Receive Formal Confirmation as Virat Kohli Finalizes Schedule
The Delhi & District Cricket Association has not yet received formal confirmation of Virat Kohli’s participation. Kohli had already finalized most of his calendar during India’s tour of Australia earlier in the year.
The report also noted that any final changes will depend on the national team’s schedule, but it suggested that Kohli is preparing to be part of Delhi’s squad in Bengaluru. Kohli has not appeared in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for over ten years. Notably, he did play a Ranji Trophy match earlier this season.
“There hasn’t been any communication with the DDCA in this regard, but India’s No. 3 had more or less sorted his schedule for the rest of the year in Australia itself. There could be an alteration to this plan according to the team’s schedule for the New Zealand ODIs, starting January 11, but Virat could turn up for a few games of VHT, starting December 24,” the report added.
Virat Kohli’s Record for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy
Virat Kohli has played 13 Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Delhi between 2008 and 2010. He has scored 819 runs at an average of 68.25 and a strike rate of 106.08, including four centuries and three half-centuries, with his highest score being 124. He also captained Delhi in five matches in 2010 and won three of them.
According to reports, the BCCI is planning a meeting with the selectors and team management after the South Africa ODI series. The aim is to discuss the future ODI plans for Rohit Sharma and Kohli, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup still a few years away.
These discussions are expected to provide more clarity on how long both senior players will continue in India’s one-day setup.
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