Virat Kohli set for Vijay Hazare comeback, Fans entry in Bengaluru still…

Virat Kohli is set to make his return to domestic white-ball cricket after 15 years, playing for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Bengaluru, as confirmed by DDCA president Rohan Jaitley.

New Delhi: Star India batter Virat Kohli is all set to make his comeback in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, marking his return to the white-ball domestic competition after a 15-year hiatus.

It will also be his first appearance in Bengaluru following the tragic stampede incident outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic maiden IPL title win earlier this year.

On Tuesday, PTI reported that DDCA president Rohan Jaitley said, “He [Virat Kohli] has confirmed his availability to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. How many games he will feature in, that is not clear yet.”

Virat Kohli is set to represent Delhi

The 37-year-old is set to represent Delhi, his domestic side, which will play all seven of its Group D league matches in Bengaluru.

As per the original schedule, Delhi is scheduled to start their campaign against Andhra on December 24 at the KSCA Alur Stadium. They will play five matches at Alur, while two matches against Services on January 3 and Haryana on January 8 will be held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Rishabh Pant is also expected to participate

India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is also expected to participate in these league matches, boosting the star presence of the team.

Confirming the schedule, KSCA managing committee member for cricket, MS Vinay, told TOI, “The matches are as per schedule at the two KSCA facilities. We have been hosting BCCI domestic matches since the start of the season without any hindrance. We will call for a managing committee meeting soon and discuss it.”

Will fans be allowed in Bengaluru?

However, with the association still unable to get approval for matches with spectators, the big question remains whether fans will be allowed inside the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Vinay stated that the final decision lies with the government authorities, “Allowing spectators at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is a decision that will be taken in consultation with the police department and other authorities. We can’t say just yet that the matches will be held behind closed doors.”

Even the Alur facility, situated on the outskirts of the city, has witnessed crowd commotion. Back in 2017, when MS Dhoni played for Jharkhand in the same tournament, fans, despite the absence of spectator galleries, managed to watch the game from spots along the compound wall.

Anticipating a similar, if not greater, level of excitement this time due to Kohli’s presence, the KSCA has started preparations well in advance, “We will also approach the city police commissioner concerning security at both venues,” Vinay added.