WATCH: Virat Kohli arrives in Mumbai Airport, set to make a comeback in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Star India batter Virat Kohli was spotted at Mumbai airport ahead of his return to domestic cricket, with the former India captain set to represent Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting December 24.
Virat Kohli spotted in Mumbai Airport ahead of making his comeback in Vijay Hazare Trophy
New Delhi: Star India cricketer Virat Kohli was seen at Mumbai airport on Monday ahead of his return to domestic cricket. The former India captain is set to represent Delhi in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, which is scheduled to start from December 24, adding to the list of senior internationals making a comeback to the domestic scene.
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has confirmed Rishabh Pant as the team's captain for the tournament, with Kohli included in the squad for the first two matches.
Delhi's squad also features experienced players like Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini, who have both made themselves available for the tournament. Harshit Rana, who is currently part of India's T20I setup, will join the side after being released. Drawn in Group D, Delhi are scheduled to play seven matches, with their campaign set to conclude on January 8.
Senior stars return as BCCI stresses on Domestic Cricket
The comeback of senior players like Kohli to domestic competitions comes in line with the BCCI's push to keep Indian cricketers match-ready by encouraging regular participation in tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Kohli enters the tournament in red-hot ODI form as he ended the year as India's leading run-scorer in the format, piling up 651 runs in 13 matches at an impressive average of 65.10. His tally included three centuries and four half-centuries, with a strike rate close to 96.
The shift in form started during the Australia series, where an unbeaten 74 in Sydney, following two back-to-back ducks, helped ease the pressure. Kohli carried the momentum into the home series against South Africa, and smashed two consecutive centuries in the first two ODIs with 135 in Ranchi and 102 in Raipur. He capped the series with a calm 65 not out while chasing 271 in Vizag.
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