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Virat Kohli has taken a big decision to save his career. The 37-year-old veteran batsman has agreed to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting December 24. As Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley confirmed it on the night of December 2, Kohli’s fans erupted in joy. Kohli, who now plays for India in just one format, is currently playing in the ODI series against South Africa.
Virat Kohli last appeared in this 50-over tournament in February 2010. He was captaining Delhi in that match against Services at the Gurgaon ground on 18 February. Coming in at number five, Kohli scored 16 off eight balls before being caught out by wicketkeeper Tahir Khan off Shadab Nazar.
In this North Zone match against Services, Delhi won the toss and batted first, scoring 311 runs for the loss of six wickets in the allotted 50 overs. Shikhar Dhawan opened the innings with 32 off 37 balls, while Mithun Manhas, who came in at number three, contributed an impressive 148 off 154 balls. Mithun Manhas is currently the BCCI president. Rajat Bhatia also played in that match and is now part of the support staff of Lucknow Supergiants. After his impressive batting performance, Virat’s side also performed brilliantly with the ball. Services’ innings was restricted to just 198 runs, the team failing to complete 50 overs. Pravesh Chikara took the highest four wickets for Delhi. However, the team unfortunately failed to reach the knockout stage.
24 December vs Andhra Pradesh
26 December vs Gujarat
January 6 vs. Railways
The BCCI has made it mandatory for contracted cricketers to play domestic cricket unless they are injured or playing for the national team. This is the reason why Virat Kohli, who lives in London, has to play in this domestic tournament after 15 years. Earlier this year, Kohli was the center of attraction in a Ranji Trophy match, playing his first first-class match in over 12 years.
The 37-year-old Kohli scored his 52nd century in the series opener in Ranchi, showing that he is in good form despite playing just one format of the game since announcing his retirement from Test cricket earlier this year. Kohli retired from T20 Internationals after India won the 2024 World Cup in Barbados. He now wants to end his cricket career after playing the ODI World Cup in 2027. Rohit Sharma, who retired from Test cricket before the England tour, is also expected to play for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. But head coach Gautam Gambhir is standing firm against the intentions of both the veterans to play in the World Cup.
December 03, 2025 10:08 PM IST
Where are the players who played with Kohli in the 2010 Vijay Hazare team today? Any BCCI president, any IPL coach, know their journey

