Tue Dec 02 18:46:38 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Virat Kohli Confirms Participation in Vijay Hazare Trophy After Initial Reluctance
NEW DELHI – In a turnaround, Virat Kohli has confirmed his availability for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, beginning December 24th. This decision comes after initial hesitation and amid growing pressure from the BCCI and team management to prioritize domestic cricket.
Sources indicate that India coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized the importance of domestic participation for players seeking national team selection. While Rohit Sharma had already committed to playing in the tournament, Kohli’s initial reluctance raised concerns about potential preferential treatment.
“When Rohit [Sharma] is also playing, how can there be an exception for one player? And what do we tell the other players? That someone is different from all of you?” a source told NDTV.
BCCI selectors reportedly convinced Kohli, currently engaged in the ODI series against South Africa, to participate in a few matches. He will return to London to see his family after the ODIs before returning to India for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This will be his first appearance in the tournament since 2010.
The decision is expected to significantly boost the Delhi team and draw large crowds. Officials anticipate a significant turnout for Delhi’s matches. Kohli’s participation earlier this year in a Ranji Trophy game drew over 12,000 spectators.
The BCCI has recently reinforced the mandate for contracted players to participate in domestic cricket unless otherwise constrained by injury or national duty. Rohit Sharma, who also retired from Tests, is expected to play for Mumbai in the tournament.
Delhi will begin their campaign against Andhra in Bengaluru on December 24th and will play six games in total. How many games Kohli will play is still unclear.
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