Virat Kohli Set to Play One More Domestic Game Before New Zealand Series

Virat Kohli's return to the Ranji Trophy earlier this year proved disappointing, as he struggled to find his rhythm and failed to hit big scores.

Virat Kohli Set to Play One More Domestic Game Before New Zealand Series

Virat Kohli will play one game in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. (Image via News 18)

Veteran Indian cricket star Virat Kohli, who recently returned to domestic cricket after a lengthy hiatus, is scheduled to participate in one more match of the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. As reported, Kohli will feature in Delhi’s encounter against Railways next month. 

Kohli returned to play in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, marking his first appearance in the competition since 2010. While his schedule had been limited to international fixtures and the IPL, his participation in the VHT was triggered by a BCCI policy enacted last December. This directive requires all centrally contracted players to represent their domestic teams in at least two matches when not on national duty.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with a host of other men’s national team stars, rejoined their respective domestic teams, marking a rare appearance in this season’s Vijay Hazare Trophy. For the two former Indian captains, the VHT also presents them with an opportunity to solidify their claim for a place in the Indian ODI side at the much-awaited 2027 World Cup, as well as to remain in good touch and form.

So far, Kohli has been in great form, having delivered two strong performances in Delhi’s two opening VHT games. Against Andhra Pradesh, the 37-year-old batter scored a hundred in a successful 299-run chase for his side.

He followed it up with another 77-run knock in Delhi’s second group-stage encounter against Gujarat. Virat Kohli also etched his name in record books in the process, as he surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become the fastest batter to score 16.000 List-A runs.

While it was initially expected that Kohli would only play in two VHT matches for Delhi, a new development suggests that he is available for an additional game.

DDCA president Rohan Jaitley confirmed that Kohli will play in the team’s sixth group stage encounter against Railways, scheduled to be played in Bengaluru on January 6. Virat Kohli is then expected to travel to Vadodara, to join the Indian ODI squad for of the home series against New Zealand. 

As of now, he is playing. Virat [Kohli] has given his availability for three games.

Delhi and District Cricket Association president Rohan Jaitley said to PTI (H/T: India TV News)

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and several others will be a part of India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against the Blackcaps, starting January 11. According to BCCI insiders, the team is scheduled to assemble in the city by January 8, while Kohli may arrive a day early.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to lead India’s ODI squad against Kiwis, key players likely to be rested

The Indian men’s cricket team will kick off its yearly campaign with a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, with a 15-member squad yet to be named. The Men in Blue will be hoping to continue their good run in ODIs at home, having most recently beaten South Africa 2-1. 

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to headline India’s ODI squad vs. New Zealand. (via Inside Sport)

Coming to squad, the selectors are expected to pick Sharma and Kohli, given both of them are active in only one format. The iconic duo had a great run with the bat against the Proteas, with Kohli finishing with 302 runs, and Sharma with 146 runs. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, who missed the series against South Africa due to a neck injury, is expected to return to his role as captain of the side. 

Gill’s return to India’s ODI setup means the end of road for Yashasvi Jaiswal, who played as an opener against the Proteas, even scoring a hundred in the final game in Vizag. It remains to be seen whether Shreyas Iyer is picked, as he is yet to recover from a spleen injury. Several players are expected to be rested, including Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh.

Ishan Kishan is one player who could make the cut, after he hit a sensational 125 runs in Jharkhand’s opening Vijay Hazare Trophy encounter against Karnataka. Mohammed Siraj might also return to the ODI setup, having not played a match since the series against Australia. 

Read More: