Virat Kohli's Domestic Return Confirmed as Delhi Awaits Star

Virat Kohli is set to represent Delhi in domestic cricket again this season. DDCA president Rohan Jaitley confirmed the star batter's commitment to his home state, with Kohli's availability for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy dependent on his international workload.

Rohan Jaitley, the Delhi & District Cricket Association president, stated there is no doubt about Kohli's dedication to Delhi cricket. "This state belongs to him just as much as it does to me," Jaitley said. "His commitment to playing for the state is outstanding. Whenever he is available, and keeping his workload in mind, he will certainly play for the state again."

The 2026-27 Vijay Hazare Trophy begins on December 14. Kohli made a successful return to the tournament last season after a 15-year absence, playing two matches for Delhi. The BCCI has encouraged centrally contracted players to feature in domestic cricket to maintain match fitness, a policy that saw several big names return last year.

Kohli's domestic availability hinges on a packed ODI calendar for India. He returns to action in a three-match ODI series against West Indies starting September 27. India then travels to New Zealand for five ODIs in November before hosting Sri Lanka for three ODIs in December.

This tight schedule makes his potential participation in the domestic tournament, which starts in mid-December, particularly significant. Kohli, who now plays only ODI cricket for India, last played Ranji Trophy for Delhi in 2025 after a 13-year gap.

Kohli's childhood coach recently delivered a one-line verdict on whether the batter will feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

His continued involvement in domestic cricket, as encouraged by the BCCI, suggests he is actively maintaining the form and fitness required for top-level competition.

In a recent lighthearted quiz, former England captain Kevin Pietersen named Virat Kohli as the first batter that comes to mind for India. Pietersen, who named himself for England, included Kohli alongside other greats like Ricky Ponting for Australia and Jacques Kallis for South Africa.

This casual recognition from a contemporary rival shows Kohli's enduring status as a global icon of the sport. His identity, both on and off the field, remains a topic of widespread interest.

Jaitley's comments came during the DDCA's annual prize distribution ceremony at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The association awarded a total of Rs 1.43 crore for the 2025-26 season, increasing prize money by 10 percent across categories.

The ceremony also covered discussions on Delhi's grassroots cricket development, plans for a new world-class stadium, and the rise of women's cricket. The DDCA aims to return Delhi to the top of domestic cricket.

• Virat Kohli will play for Delhi in domestic cricket when his schedule allows.
• The 2026-27 Vijay Hazare Trophy starts on December 14.
• Kohli has a busy ODI schedule with series against West Indies, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.
• The DDCA increased its total prize money distribution to Rs 1.43 crore for the last season.