Overview:
Kohli’s recent comments reportedly had not gone down well with the BCCI. The board had previously instructed both him and Rohit Sharma to feature in the domestic one-day tournament.
Virat Kohli will return to India’s domestic one-day tournament after a 15-year absence and he has informed the DDCA about his participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The move comes shortly after his Ranchi comments about minimal preparation angered the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
According to DDCA officials, Kohli’s inclusion reflects his enduring devotion and commitment to Indian cricket. “Virat has confirmed his participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and he will play his games at the Centre of Excellence”. Delhi will kick off their Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign against Andhra Pradesh in Alur on December 24.
Kohli has changed his mind after his scintillating 135 against South Africa in the first ODI on Sunday. “Preparation has never been my focus. My game has always been driven by mental strength. When I’m in the right frame of mind, I can deliver,” he said.
“Having played more than 300 ODIs in 15–16 years, I know that if you can bat for an hour or two in the nets non-stop, you’re covering all the bases. A dip in form is natural, and you seek games to regain it,” Kohli added.
“For me, it’s not about endless practice but about readiness. With my experience, the focus is on fitness, mental sharpness, and excitement to play. If you’re batting well and performing, the rest naturally follows,” he explained.
Kohli has agreed to return to the domestic circuit to give himself much-needed game time. He wants to play in the 2027 World Cup.
Kohli remains in blistering touch, registering successive ODI tons against South Africa and reinforcing his top-level fitness and match sharpness.
According to The Indian Express, Kohli’s recent comments reportedly had not gone down well with the BCCI. The board had previously instructed both him and Rohit Sharma to feature in the domestic one-day tournament to stay in contention for India’s upcoming ODI plans. Rohit had already informed the Mumbai Cricket Association about his participation.