In what comes as a sensational development, Virat Kohli is set to play the 2025 edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India's premier domestic tournament for ODI cricket. Kohli, who represents Delhi in domestic cricket, informed the national selectors about this decision on Tuesday (December 2).
The tournament starts on December 24 and Delhi's opening fixture of the tournament will be against Andhra. As things stand, there is no confirmation on whether Rohit Sharma will play this tournament. India are slated to play an ODI series at home against New Zealand in January, after which there wouldn't be a 50-over game for a few months.
Kohli started the ongoing ODI series against South Africa with his 52nd century in the format during the opening game in Ranchi. It was a significant follow-up to the unbeaten fifty that he scored in the final ODI against Australia. However, that series began with two successive ducks, stirring up a debate about his ODI future.
However, with two stellar knocks in the last two ODIs, the 37-year-old has made a huge statement to the critics and India's national selectors headed by Ajit Agarkar. There is also an alleged ongoing rift between the two and also between Kohli and Agarkar. The other veteran Rohit is also said to be in the radar of Agarkar and Gambhir.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup still a long way away, it is imperative for Kohli and Rohit to keep themselves match fit, especially as they only play one format. Pundits had gone on record stating the need for the senior pros to play domestic cricket. Whether it is his response to that or not, Kohli's decision to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be helpful for himself and also enhance Delhi's chances in the tournament.
