Fifteen Years Later, the King Comes Home — Delhi Awaits Kohli’s Most Personal Comeback
Virat Kohli has an almost unreal fanbase who follow and support him in every corner of the world, no matter which jersey he is playing in. After a ferocious ODI series against South Africa, his fans were waiting for his appearance in the upcoming series against New Zealand in January 2026. But, it came out as a bonanza when Kohli informed Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) about his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. It is going to be a special occasion as the 37-year old legend is returning to this domestic championship after 15 years.
Delhi will be led by Rishabh Pant this season, with Ayush Badoni named his deputy. It’s a fresh leadership group, but let’s be honest — most eyes are still on Virat Kohli.
Kohli won’t be around for the full stretch, with national duty against New Zealand coming up. Even Pant is set to miss a few games. Right now, there’s no clear picture on how many matches they’ll actually play. What is known, though, is that Kohli has told the domestic board he’ll turn out in the opening two fixtures — against Andhra on December 24 and Gujarat on December 26.
For fans in Delhi, that’s enough.
Two matches may not sound like much, but seeing Kohli in domestic colours again hits differently. It’s familiar, it’s emotional, and it brings back memories of packed stands and that old fire he carries every time he plays for his state.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Returns to Vijay Hazare Trophy; Rishabh Pant to Lead Delhi
Virat Kohli in Vijay Hazare Trophy
It has been nearly 15 years since Virat Kohli last played a Vijay Hazare game. His last match was on February 18, 2010, long before his global stardom. Therefore, this return is special for his fans, especially those who knew him as an aspiring cricketer from Delhi.
Before this, Kohli appeared in just 14 matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Even this small sample size was enough to show how special that young boy from Delhi is going to be. The Run Machine piled up 819 runs at a staggering average of 68.25. Kohli scored these runs with a striking rate of 106.08. Four hundreds and three fifties in these matches speak of his temperament and hunger to score big. It obviously grew exponentially in his international cricket career.
Fifteen years later, the thought of Kohli returning to the Vijay Hazare Trophy isn’t just about stats or form — it’s about nostalgia, unfinished memories, and a home crowd ready to relive the moment when their own boy takes guard once again.
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