Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025: After a 15-year absence, former India captain Virat Kohli will represent Delhi in Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. The famous cricket player confirmed his availability for the 50-over format on Tuesday, according to the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). This marks his 15-year absence from India’s local one-day event. Since the BCCI (Board of Cricket Control in India) was apparently unhappy with Kohli’s post-match remarks in Ranchi about the lack of need for extra preparation prior to international matches, the move has been seen as a change of heart on his side.

Virat has acknowledged that he is available to compete in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. According to the DDCA, he will be participating in games at the Centre of Excellence. Notably, Delhi’s campaign will begin on December 24 in Alur against Andhra Pradesh.

After his game-winning 135 in Ranchi, what did Kohli say?

If that makes sense, I’ve never been a huge fan of preparedness. My whole cricket career has been mental. He said that because of the amount of cricket he had played over the course of over 20 years, he did not feel the need to look for further match preparation and that he could play the game as long as he was psychologically well.

“Over the last 15 to 16 years, I’ve played a lot of cricket and maybe 300 ODI matches. You are satisfying all the requirements if you can bat for an hour and a half or two hours straight in the nets. I know that when your form declines, you search for games to try to regain it,” Kohli said.

“At this point in my experience, it’s about being physically fit, mentally prepared, and excited to play the games that I’m playing, as long as you’re hitting the ball well and playing good cricket.” The rest ought to take care of itself.

According to a story in the Indian Express, Kohli’s remarks after his “player of the match” victory may have set off the BCCI. The Board’s directives, which require players to play domestic cricket, were not in line with the remarks.

Rohit Sharma, the former captain of India, has previously made his availability known to the Mumbai Cricket Association.

After retiring from Tests and Twenty20 Internationals, both Kohli and Rohit only play one format.