Former Team India captain Virat Kohli is reportedly ready to make himself available for his state team, Delhi, in the upcoming domestic 50-over tournament, 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 team 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. It is noteworthy that the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa will end on December 6, after which senior players may be available for at least a few matches.
Virat Kohli may make himself available for Delhi in Vijay Hazare Trophy
According to a report in Times of India, Virat Kohli is expected to make himself available for Delhi in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. The report states that Kohli will go to London for a short stay after the conclusion of the ODI series.
However, the right-handed batsman is likely to join the Delhi team 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 is planning to play a few Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Delhi in Bengaluru,” the TOI report said.
“However, before that, Virat is likely to go back to London after the completion of the three ODIs against South Africa, but he may join the Delhi team in Bengaluru.”
DDCA is yet to receive formal confirmation as Virat Kohli finalizes the schedule
Delhi and District Cricket Association has not yet received formal confirmation of Virat Kohli’s participation. Kohli had finalized most of his calendar during India’s tour of Australia at the beginning of the year.
The report also said that any final changes would depend on the national team’s schedule, but suggested that Kohli is preparing to be a part of the Delhi team in Bengaluru. Kohli has not appeared in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for more than ten years. Notably, he played a Ranji Trophy match earlier this season.
“There has been no communication with the DDCA in this regard, but the India No. 3 has finalized his schedule for the rest of the year in Australia. This plan may change depending on the team’s schedule for the New Zealand ODIs starting January 11, but Virat may come for some of the VHT matches starting December 24,” the report said.
Virat Kohli’s record for Delhi in 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, BCCI is planning a meeting with the selectors and team management after the South Africa ODI series. The aim is to discuss 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 the two senior players will remain in India’s one-day setup.
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