Why is Virat Kohli not playing for Delhi in Vijay Hazare Trophy Today?

Virat Kohli marked a triumphant return to domestic cricket, donning Delhi's colors in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 after a long absence. In two explosive outings, the 37-year-old run-machine piled up 208 runs at a scorching rate, cementing his legacy as one of List A cricket's all-time elites. These innings powered Delhi to back-to-back wins and saw him blitz to a landmark as the quickest to 16,000 List A runs.

Kohli kicked off his campaign on December 24 against Andhra at Bengaluru's BCCI Centre of Excellence. Chasing 299 under lights, he carved out a sublime 131 from 101 balls, blending silky strokeplay with fierce intent to steer Delhi home by four wickets-while shattering records en route to 16,000 runs.

He carried the fire forward on December 26 versus Gujarat at the same ground, blasting 77 off 61 deliveries, highlighted by a blistering 29-ball fifty. Adding value with two sharp catches, Kohli sealed Delhi's seven-run thriller and pocketed another Player of the Match award.

Why is Virat Kohli not playing Today?

Delhi are up against Saurashtra at the KSCA Ground 2 in Alur, but Virat Kohli is not playing in this match. The India batter has gone back to Mumbai after playing the first two matches. Rishabh Pant continues to captain Delhi in this match.

When will Virat Kohli play again for Delhi?

Though his schedule is tight, Kohli might suit up for one more Delhi clash against Railways on January 6, 2026-right before India's ODIs against New Zealand. He's currently away but expected back in Bengaluru for it. Fresh off twin tons versus South Africa, Kohli boasts six 50+ scores this season: four internationally, two domestically.