Virat Kohli Likely Done for Vijay Hazare Trophy as He Skips Delhi’s Clash Against Railways
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New Delhi: Virat Kohli has effectively played his final match of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy season, with the Indian batting star set to miss Delhi’s sixth-round Group D fixture against Railways in Alur on Tuesday. The development comes as Kohli prepares to rejoin the Indian squad ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting later this week.
Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed Kohli’s unavailability, ending speculation about a possible return for one more domestic game. “No, he is not available,” Singh told Hindustan Times, making it clear that Delhi will have to carry on without their most experienced batter as they push for a strong finish at the top of the Group D standings.
Limited Appearances, Big Impact
Following a directive from the BCCI encouraging centrally contracted players to feature in domestic cricket, Kohli turned out for two matches earlier in the tournament. He made an immediate impact, scoring a commanding 131 against Andhra and following it up with a fluent 77 against Gujarat. Those performances played a crucial role in Delhi registering back-to-back victories.
However, Kohli has since missed three consecutive matches, and Tuesday’s absence now confirms that his Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign is over. There was anticipation that he might play one final game before national duty, but with international commitments approaching, the team management appears keen to prioritise workload and rhythm.
Interestingly, Kohli’s presence would have set up a compelling face-off against Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan, who dismissed him in what turned out to be the batter’s final red-ball appearance earlier in his career. That contest will now have to wait.
Focus Shifts to International Cricket
Kohli’s decision aligns with his renewed focus on white-ball cricket. With limited ODI fixtures in the calendar, the former India captain remains determined to maximise his contributions as India build towards the 2027 World Cup. His recent form underlines that intent, having amassed 302 runs in a white-ball series against South Africa last year.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has also wrapped up his domestic commitments, having played two matches for Mumbai earlier in the season, effectively bringing the “Ro-Ko” domestic chapter to a close for this year.
Star Power Still Intact
Despite the absence of Kohli and Rohit, the Vijay Hazare Trophy continues to boast strong star presence. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are set to return to action, drawing significant fan interest. Iyer will be playing his first competitive match since recovering from a spleen injury sustained in October, while Gill returns after missing recent international assignments. Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul will also feature, ensuring the tournament remains a major attraction.
Our Thoughts
Kohli’s limited but impactful domestic stint reflects a balanced approach between national priorities and domestic commitments. While fans may miss seeing him in Vijay Hazare action, his focus on international white-ball cricket highlights the importance of managing elite players carefully as India eyes long-term goals.
