Vijay Hazare Trophy: The Delhi vs Saurashtra clash in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 generated significant attention, not just because of the contest itself, but due to the absence of some of Indian cricket’s biggest names. Played at Alur on Monday, December 29, the match began with Delhi captain Rishabh Pant winning the toss and choosing to field first. While Delhi entered the game with confidence after back-to-back wins, fans were surprised to see that Virat Kohli was not part of the playing eleven for this third-round fixture.
Delhi’s decision to bowl first reflected their confidence in the bowling unit and familiarity with the conditions at Alur. The team had already enjoyed a strong start to the tournament, winning their opening two matches and establishing momentum early. Rishabh Pant, leading from the front as captain and wicketkeeper, aimed to continue that positive run against a competitive Saurashtra side.
One of the most discussed aspects of the match was the absence of Virat Kohli from Delhi’s lineup. Kohli had been in outstanding form in the first two games of the tournament. He scored a brilliant 131 against Andhra Pradesh and followed it up with a fluent 77 against Gujarat. These performances were particularly special as they marked his return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after a gap of 15 years.
Despite this strong run, Kohli was not expected to play all matches in the competition. His participation was planned only for the first two fixtures, making his absence against Saurashtra part of a pre-decided schedule rather than a last-minute call. During his brief but impactful stint, he also crossed the landmark of 16,000 runs in List A cricket, underlining his consistency and longevity in the format.
Even without Kohli, Delhi fielded a balanced and experienced side. Alongside Rishabh Pant, the team included Nitish Rana, a dependable middle-order batter, and seasoned bowlers like Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini. Young talents such as Priyansh Arya, Ayush Doseja, and Prince Yadav added depth and energy to the lineup, ensuring that Delhi remained competitive despite missing their star batter.
The playing eleven showcased a mix of experience and youth, giving Delhi flexibility in both batting and bowling departments. This blend has been one of the reasons behind their strong start in the tournament.
Saurashtra entered the match with a well-rounded squad of their own. Led by Harvik Desai, the team featured several proven domestic performers. Batters like Vishvaraj Jadeja and Jay Gohil provided stability at the top, while all-rounders such as Prerak Mankad and Chirag Jani added balance. Their bowling attack, including Chetan Sakariya and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, was expected to challenge Delhi’s batting depth.
Interestingly, Virat Kohli was not the only high-profile player missing from domestic action that day. Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma was also absent from Mumbai’s match against Chhattisgarh at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground in Jaipur. This simultaneous absence of two senior Indian batters sparked discussions among fans, though both cases were linked to workload management and upcoming international commitments.
Looking ahead, Virat Kohli is set to prepare for India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on January 11. However, there remains a possibility that he could make another appearance for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Reports suggest that Kohli may turn out for Delhi’s match against Railways on January 6, depending on his preparation schedule and team requirements.
In contrast to Kohli’s potential return, Rohit Sharma is unlikely to feature again in the tournament. According to reports, Mumbai will continue without him for the remainder of their Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign, as he shifts full focus to international duties.
