In a moment that has electrified the Indian domestic circuit, Virat Kohli has officially begun its final preparations for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26On December 20, 2025, a viral video showed the 37-year-old batsman grinding it out in the nets, looking sharp and purposeful as he got ready to don the Delhi jersey once again,
Virat Kohli has intensified training for the historic home Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
Viral footage of Kohli at the Arun Jaitley Stadium offers a rare look at the technical discipline that has defined his career. As he prepares for his first Vijay Hazare Trophy match in 15 years, Kohli’s net session was a masterclass in focused repetition. He was seen facing a particularly high-intensity pace, possibly simulating the upcoming challenge against Andhra Pradesh Nitish Kumar Reddy On 24th December.
His preparation focused on two specific pillars: steadiness of head and intent to move forward. Observers noted that his eyes were exceptionally steady, a technical hallmark Robin Uthappa More recently they have been praised as the key to longevity. Kohli spent a lot of time working on his signature cover drives, but more importantly, he practiced his front-foot defense against balls going away, ensuring that his hands remained close to the body. This was not a flamboyant hitting session; It was a systematic ‘rep in the middle’ approach designed to create the mental acuity required for Delhi to open an innings.
This return is not just a cameo; It is a calculated move to maintain his fine form, following two centuries in the recent ODI series against South Africa, ahead of India’s upcoming tour against New Zealand in January. With the BCCI now making domestic participation mandatory for centrally contracted stars, Kohli’s presence in the Delhi camp has changed the profile of the tournament, transforming a regional competition into a global focal point for cricket fans.
Here is the video:
Virat Kohli during a net session in Alibaug. pic.twitter.com/tUBRDFyB3X
– Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) 20 December 2025
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Kohli and Rishabh Pant lead the powerhouse Delhi team
When Kohli takes the field on December 24, it will mark the end of his 15-year absence from India’s premier domestic 50-over competition. Kohli last featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Services in February 2010, and his return in Delhi colors this time under Rishabh Pant signals a massive boost for a team looking to reverse its recent fortunes.
Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) Confirmed that Kohli will be available for at least the first two matches in Bengaluru, especially against the high-voltage opener Andhra PradeshThis team is literally a ‘who’s who’ of Indian talent, featuring experienced fast bowlers Ishant Sharmaspeedster Navdeep Saini and rising star Harshit RanaWho will join after the conclusion of his T20I duties in Ahmedabad. By playing under Pant’s captaincy, Kohli is not just fulfilling a need; He is providing invaluable guidance to a dressing room eager to absorb the wisdom of a modern-day great who treats every practice session like a World Cup final.
The 2025 Vijay Hazare Trophy has become a unique platform where India’s aging legends and emerging talents come together. Rohit Sharma Also ready to make a selective return to Mumbai. While Rohit will play in two matches Shardul ThakurWith Mumbai in the lead (facing Sikkim and Uttarakhand in Group C), Kohli’s focus is entirely on the Group D battle at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. These matches are serving as a final ‘tune-up’ for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting on January 11 in Vadodara.
Also read: Mumbai announces squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy; Rohit Sharma’s historic comeback
