Forget everything you thought you knew about Virat Kohli’s post-World Cup plans. While many assumed he’d be taking a well-deserved break, the man himself has other ideas. In a power move that’s sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, Kohli is returning to the gritty, unforgiving arena of domestic cricket to play for Delhi in the Virat Kohli Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 edition.
Spotted at Mumbai airport with his trademark intensity, Kohli isn’t just making a cameo. He’s signaling a clear, unapologetic intent: he’s not done. He’s doubling down.
Table of Contents
- Why Virat Kohli is Returning to Domestic Cricket
- The Delhi Squad: A Formidable Line-Up
- Kohli’s Red-Hot ODI Form in 2025
- Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025: Key Details
- What This Means for Indian Cricket
- Conclusion
- Sources
Why Virat Kohli is Returning to Domestic Cricket
For a player of Kohli’s stature, stepping back into the domestic circuit is incredibly rare. He hasn’t played a List A game since 2019. So, why now?
The answer is simple: legacy and hunger. After a phenomenal 2025 in ODI cricket, where he topped the charts for India, Kohli isn’t content to rest on his laurels. This move is a masterclass in professionalism. It shows the next generation of cricketers, and the selectors, that he’s willing to put in the hard yards at every level. He’s leading by example, proving that no matter your status, the foundation of your game is built in the heat of domestic competition.
The Delhi Squad: A Formidable Line-Up
Kohli isn’t going in alone. He’s part of a star-studded Delhi squad that reads like a who’s who of Indian cricket’s past and present. The team is captained by the ever-reliable wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, with young dynamo Ayush Badoni as vice-captain .
What makes this squad truly special is its blend of raw talent and seasoned veterans:
- Virat Kohli: The main attraction, bringing his world-class batting and leadership.
- Rishabh Pant (c): The inspirational leader, back from his own comeback journey.
- Ishant Sharma: The veteran spearhead, offering invaluable experience.
- Navdeep Saini: The pace sensation, providing a formidable new-ball partnership.
- Ayush Badoni (vc): The future of Indian batting, who shone in the IPL.
This combination of youth and experience makes Delhi one of the strongest contenders for the title .
Kohli’s Red-Hot ODI Form in 2025
To understand the weight of this announcement, you have to look at Kohli’s 2025 ODI performances. He didn’t just participate; he dominated.
His stats for the year are a testament to his enduring class:
- Runs: 651
- Matches: 13 Innings
- Average: A staggering 65.10
- Centuries/Fifties: 3/4
He finished the year as India’s leading run-scorer in the format, even managing to outscore the in-form Rohit Sharma [[14], [19]]. His knocks, including a majestic 135 against South Africa and an unbeaten 65 in the final ODI of the year, were crucial in India’s successes [[15], [12]]. He enters the Vijay Hazare Trophy not as a player looking to find his touch, but as a man in the best form of his recent career.
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025: Key Details
The Vijay Hazare Trophy is India’s premier domestic List A (50-over) competition. The 2025-26 edition is set to be a massive tournament, featuring all 38 teams from the Ranji Trophy, split into Elite and Plate groups .
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament Dates | December 24, 2025 – January 18, 2026 |
| Format | Round-robin group stage followed by knockout rounds |
| Teams | 38 teams across Elite and Plate groups |
| First Match | December 24, 2025, in Ahmedabad |
For fans of top-tier domestic cricket, this promises to be a thrilling few weeks. You can follow all the live action and updates on the official ESPNcricinfo Vijay Hazare Trophy page.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
Kohli’s return is far more than a feel-good story; it’s a strategic statement with long-term implications.
Firstly, it sets an incredibly high standard for professionalism. In an era where T20 leagues often take precedence, Kohli is reminding everyone that the core of the game lies in these longer domestic formats. It’s a direct challenge to his peers and a guiding light for young aspirants in the Delhi camp and beyond.
Secondly, it’s a clear message regarding his ambitions for the 2027 ODI World Cup. By choosing to play, he’s demonstrating his commitment to staying in peak physical and mental condition. He’s not waiting for a recall; he’s demanding selection through his actions on the field. This move solidifies his position as a central pillar of India’s ODI setup for the foreseeable future.
For Delhi, the impact is immediate. His presence in the dressing room will be as valuable as his runs on the pitch. His experience in high-pressure situations can be the catalyst that turns a talented group into champions. Expect a massive buzz around every Delhi match, drawing attention back to the domestic circuit in a way few other players could.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy is not a quiet homecoming; it’s a roaring declaration of intent. He’s leveraging his superstar status not for personal gain, but to elevate the competition and send a powerful message about dedication and legacy. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this is a story you won’t want to miss. The domestic stage is about to get a massive injection of world-class quality, and it all starts with one man’s decision to go back to where it all began. Keep an eye on [INTERNAL_LINK:delhi-cricket-team] for all the latest updates from their campaign.
Sources
- ESPNcricinfo – Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
- Delhi Squad Announcement for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
- Virat Kohli’s ODI Performance Statistics for 2025
- Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 Official Schedule and Format