Virat Kohli’s return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy gave the 2025/26 season a significant spark. After fifteen years away from the Delhi squad, the legend stepped back onto the domestic circuit with a clear point to prove. He wasted no time taking control. In his two appearances for Delhi, the former Indian captain tore through bowling attacks with his trademark combination of focus and aggression.
Against Andhra Pradesh, Kohli put on a clinic. He hammered a smooth 131 off only 101 balls. The 37-year-old kept that momentum going against Gujarat, adding a quick 77 from 61 deliveries. It was clear his drive to score hadn't faded one bit. Over those two games, the run machine racked up 208 runs at an average of 104.00, reminding everyone why he is still at the top of his game.
Kohli also hit a major career milestone during this short stay. He blew past Sachin Tendulkar to become the fastest player ever to hit 16,000 List A runs. Kohli did it in just 330 innings, well ahead of Tendulkar’s 391. The 37-year-old's presence gave the Delhi locker room a huge lift and brought out substantial crowds just to see him play locally again.
Early rumours hinted he might stick around for three games. Instead, the star batter's two-match cameo gave Delhi plenty of momentum for the group stages. His timing looked spot on, and he appeared to be in peak physical shape. That’s a scary thought for any international bowler facing him next.
The Railways Game and the Road Ahead for Virat Kohli
The talk about whether Kohli will play against Railways on January 6 is over. Delhi’s management confirmed he is sitting this one out. Head coach Sarandeep Singh made it clear the star batter is busy getting ready to link back up with the national team.
While Rishabh Pant and Harshit Rana are still in the mix for Delhi, Kohli is now locked in on India duty. This move follows the BCCI’s usual plan of managing workloads before big series.
Kohli is now gearing up for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11 in Vadodara. He is heading into this series on fire. Kohli just finished bullying the South African bowlers in December. In that series, the run machine piled up 302 runs in three games, averaging a wild 151.
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That performance, which featured two centuries and an unbeaten 65, bagged him the Player of the Series award. Between Kohli's form in South Africa and this sensational domestic run, he looks ready to dominate the Kiwis. Fans are now waiting to see Virat Kohli back on the world stage to see if he can keep this incredible run going.
