Kohli set for Vijay Hazare comeback after 15 years, signals 2027 World Cup intent

Virat Kohli gears up for a rare domestic comeback, set to play four Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Delhi after the South Africa ODI series, signalling his strong intent for the 2027 World Cup.

Virat Kohli’s dominant ODI run in the ongoing India-South Africa series has already thrilled fans, but another major update from the star batter is making headlines. As the BCCI’s mandate now requires senior players to participate in domestic tournaments whenever the national team has no international fixtures, Kohli has agreed to return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

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This marks a significant moment as Kohli last featured in the tournament back in 2010. After 15 years, the Delhi batter has confirmed his availability to the Delhi & District Cricket Association for the upcoming one-day domestic competition. Delhi’s Vijay Hazare campaign begins on December 24, with seven league matches scheduled. Kohli is expected to play the first four matches before leaving for India's ODI series against New Zealand in January.

Delhi’s opponents in these matches include Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Saurashtra and Odisha. Kohli will play two matches at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, while two more are likely to be shifted to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, his second home ground. A venue shift from Alur to Chinnaswamy is under consideration due to expected high footfall.

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Delhi’s domestic form has been under pressure, suffering defeats in both the Ranji Trophy opener against Jammu & Kashmir and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash against Tripura. Kohli’s presence is expected to give the struggling side a major boost. His Vijay Hazare record strengthens these expectations, 819 runs in 10 matches at an average of 68.25 and a strike rate of 106.08.

Kohli’s decision to re-enter domestic cricket is being viewed as a clear message of his commitment to the 2027 ODI World Cup.