Vijay Hazare Trophy Live Update, Cricket fans, rejoice! The King of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli, is all set to return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after more than a decade. You read that right – Kohli will once again don the Delhi colors, marking his first appearance in India’s premier one-day domestic tournament since 2010.
The last time Kohli featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he led Delhi to a solid victory over Services despite scoring a modest 16 runs. Now, 15 years later, the stage is set for his much-anticipated Virat Kohli Domestic Cricket Return, as Delhi faces Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, December 24, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru.
Why Kohli’s Return Is Making Headlines
Let’s be honest – when Virat Kohli steps onto any field, it’s not just a match; it’s an event. His return has come in response to the BCCI’s recent directive urging senior players to take part in domestic cricket whenever they’re not on national duty.
With Kohli having retired from Test cricket and T20Is, his inclusion in the Delhi squad gives him the perfect chance to sharpen his white-ball form before India’s upcoming ODI series against New Zealand in January 2026.
A Look Back: Kohli’s Vijay Hazare Record
Kohli’s stats in the Vijay Hazare Trophy might surprise some. Between 2008 and 2010, he played 13 matches, scored 819 runs, and smashed four hundreds and three fifties.
Though his last appearance yielded only 16 runs, his overall impact was immense. He led from the front, helping Delhi set daunting totals and instilling a fierce winning mentality. Now, as the seasoned champion returns, fans are eager to see if he can reprise that magic once again.
Delhi’s Squad: A Blend of Youth and Experience
Vijay Hazare Trophy Live Update, Delhi’s lineup for the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy has that perfect mix of veterans and young guns. Leading the charge is Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, who takes over the captaincy role. Kohli joins him as the most experienced player on the roster.
The squad also features familiar names like Ishant Sharma, Navdeep Saini, and Nitish Rana, alongside rising stars such as Yash Dhull, Ayush Badoni, and Sarthak Ranjan—the new Kolkata Knight Riders recruit. With such depth, Delhi looks more balanced than ever.
Key Players to Watch
Here are some players who could make the difference for Delhi:
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Virat Kohli: The man himself. His batting form and experience could turn the tide at any moment.
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Rishabh Pant: Aggressive and fearless, Pant’s leadership will be crucial in guiding this young team.
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Ayush Badoni: A dependable middle-order presence and Kohli’s natural partner in building innings.
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Ishant Sharma & Navdeep Saini: The pace duo brings control, movement, and years of experience.
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Nitish Rana: A proven match-winner, equally effective in both batting and off-spin bowling.
What This Means for Delhi’s Campaign
Delhi has struggled with consistency in previous editions of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. But Kohli’s inclusion might just provide that missing spark. Apart from his runs, his presence itself can lift team morale. Young players like Yash Dhull and Priyansh Arya will surely relish learning from the modern-day legend.
Think of it like having a masterclass in competitive cricket, delivered live, right on the field.
Andhra Pradesh: The Underdogs with Potential
While Delhi may look formidable on paper, Andhra Pradesh isn’t walking into this game without ambition. They’ve often played the role of disruptors—surprising stronger teams with fearless performances. With a disciplined bowling attack and an ever-improving batting lineup, they will look to make this a competitive contest.
Expect Andhra’s pace attack to test Delhi early on, especially with movement available in Bengaluru’s December conditions.
Match Details: Delhi vs Andhra Pradesh
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Tournament: Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
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Match: Delhi vs Andhra Pradesh
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Date: December 24, 2025
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Time: 9:00 AM IST
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Venue: BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru
This venue is known for its top-notch facilities and true-to-nature pitches, providing equal opportunities for batters and bowlers. In short, perfect conditions for a thrilling encounter.
How and Where to Watch the Match
Vijay Hazare Trophy Live Update, Now here’s the part most fans want to know — how to watch Kohli’s return live.
Unfortunately, while the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 is officially broadcast by Star Sports, the Delhi vs Andhra Pradesh game won’t be televised due to infrastructure constraints at the venue.
Moreover, live streaming won’t be available on the JioStar app or website, which is a bit of a letdown for fans eager to witness Kohli’s comeback innings. However, ball-by-ball score updates will be accessible through sports websites like Cricbuzz and ESPNcricinfo.
Delhi’s Full Squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
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Rishabh Pant (Captain)
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Virat Kohli
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Ishant Sharma
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Navdeep Saini
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Ayush Badoni (Vice-Captain)
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Arpit Rana
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Yash Dhull
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Sarthak Ranjan
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Priyansh Arya
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Tejasvi Dahiya (Wicketkeeper)
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Nitish Rana
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Hrithik Shokeen
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Harsh Tyagi
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Simarjeet Singh
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Prince Yadav
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Divij Mehra
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Ayush Doseja
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Vaibhav Kandpal
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Rohan Rana
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Anuj Rawat (Stand-by)
With this depth, Delhi’s playing XI will have serious competition for spots — a good headache for the management to have.
Kohli’s Current Form: A Nightmare for Bowlers
Let’s not forget that Kohli comes into this tournament red-hot after a spectacular run in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia and South Africa. With back-to-back centuries, he ended 2025 as India’s top ODI scorer, piling up 651 runs in 13 innings at an average close to 60 and a strike rate near 96.
That’s elite form, and if he carries it into the Vijay Hazare Trophy, some domestic bowlers might be in trouble.
Fans Can’t Wait for “Vintage Kohli” Moments
Social media has exploded with anticipation since Kohli’s selection was confirmed by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). Hashtags like **#Kohliturns and **#VijayHazare25 have been trending as fans set reminders to follow every update from the Bengaluru clash.
Many hope to see glimpses of the fiery 20-something Kohli who dominated this tournament years ago — only this time, with a decade and a half of wisdom behind him.
Similar Articles: Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26: Schedule, Squads, Groups, Match Timings & Live Streaming
Conclusion
Vijay Hazare Trophy Live Update, Virat Kohli’s return to domestic cricket isn’t just about one match; it’s about reconnecting with his roots. It’s a full-circle moment — the star who once began his journey in domestic cricket is back to inspire the next generation.
While the lack of live telecast may disappoint fans, what truly matters is the renewed excitement and purpose Kohli brings to Delhi’s camp. Whether he scores big or not, his presence will make a lasting impact on the young squad.
So, as Delhi takes on Andhra Pradesh, one thing’s for sure — all eyes will be on Virat Kohli, the man who continues to redefine passion, dedication, and love for the game.
