Virat Kohli’s domestic comeback story is not over yet as the star batsman is likely to return for Delhi in another Vijay Hazare Trophy match as a warm-up ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand on home soil in early January.
Virat Kohli ready to take New Year leave: Report
Kohli fulfilled the BCCI’s order by playing two group-stage matches for Delhi in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. According to a report by a senior Dainik Jagran journalist, the Indian batting superstar left the Delhi camp in Bengaluru soon after Delhi’s game against Gujarat and will take the New Year break.
Also read: ‘Got crazy’: Fans stunned by Virat Kohli’s 29-ball fifty in Vijay Hazare Trophy vs Gujarat
The journalist suggested that there is a strong possibility that Kohli could return for one more game in the ongoing 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy before India’s ODI series against New Zealand begins on January 11. Delhi’s group match against Railways on January 6 is being seen as the most likely option.
The fact that Virat Kohli’s kit and jersey is still with the Delhi team is a big sign of this planned comeback in the current 50-over tournament. However, this game also depends on the camp of the Indian cricket team before the New Zealand series.
After the New Year holidays, Delhi team can play in the Vijay Hazare match against Railways in Aloor on 6th January. After this the Indian team will join for the New Zealand series. However, the place for the Indian team in the third Vijay Hazare match is not confirmed. Virat’s clothes and…
-Abhishek Tripathi/Abhishek Tripathi (@abishereporter) 26 December 2025
Kohli’s dabang Vijay Hazare returns
Kohli’s return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after 15 years was nothing short of spectacular. The flamboyant right-handed batsman announced his arrival by playing a brilliant inning of 131 runs in 113 balls while chasing a big target against Andhra Pradesh, followed by a explosive inning of 77 runs against Gujarat.
Delhi won both the games in the tournament thanks to important contributions from the senior batsmen. These innings extended his remarkable run of fifty-plus scores to six consecutive runs in List A cricket. Earlier, he had scored two centuries and one half-century in the home ODI series against South Africa.
Final boost to Delhi’s VHT campaign
For the Delhi cricket team, the possible return of Virat Kohli is a big boost. Having won two consecutive games, the Indian batting icon’s possible appearance against Railways on January 6 could be crucial for their knockout stage ambitions.
road to new zealand series
This final domestic tour serves as an ideal bridge to international cricket. The New Zealand ODI series will be India’s first major event in the year 2026. Virat Kohli’s planned match practice on January 6 will ensure he is fully prepared.
Also read: Rohit Sharma left Vijay Hazare Trophy midway after zero, suddenly left for home
Vishal Jaiswal shares emotional moment after dismissing Virat Kohli
Gujarat left-arm spinner Vishal Jaiswal enjoyed a special moment in the Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Delhi when he dismissed Kohli. After the game, the young bowler shared a few pictures on Instagram, including one with Kohli.
He wrote an emotional note about the pride of sharing the field with a modern-day great and the unforgettable feeling of getting such a big wicket.
Jaiswal wrote on Instagram, “From watching him dominate world cricket to sharing the same fielding and taking his wicket is a moment I never imagined would come true. Getting the wicket of Virat Bhai is something I will always cherish. Just grateful for the opportunity, the journey and everything this beautiful game has given me.”
