New Delhi: Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma marked their impressive returns to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, each scoring centuries during their first matches of the tournament. Kohli scored 131 runs for Delhi against Andhra, while Rohit notched up 155 runs for Mumbai in victories for both teams.
Following their successful openings, the duo participated in the second round of matches, where Kohli made 77 runs, although Rohit was dismissed for a golden duck. Notably, the two will not compete in the third round of the ongoing premier domestic 50-over tournament which commenced on December 29.
In related news, Kohli is slated to play for Delhi in their upcoming match against Railways, as confirmed by Rohan Jaitley, President of the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA). “As of now, he is playing. Virat has given his availability for three games,” Jaitley stated to news agency PTI. Kohli has already participated in the requisite two mandatory matches as mandated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Looking ahead, the Indian team is scheduled to arrive in Vadodara by January 8 for a three-match One Day International (ODI) and a five-match T20 International series against New Zealand, with the One Day series starting on January 11. The squad announcement is expected on January 3 or 4. While the selected team is set to gather in Vadodara, Kohli may arrive a day later for training. The first ODI will take place at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi.
In a strategic decision concerning player management, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya and leading fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will be rested for the ODIs, focusing on their preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026, where India aims to defend their title.
