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India's experienced campaigner, Virat Kohli returned to Vijay Hazare Trophy in style after a decade and a half. 'Chasemaster' Kohli scored a century in the run chase against Andhra Pradesh behind closed doors at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on December 24. While there was no live telecast of the game, the buzz around Kohli's return to white-ball domestic cricket was high. Following a match-winning 131, his childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma has declared the top-order batter ready for ODI World Cup 2027. He went on to call him the most consistent batter in India’s ODI lineup.
“He is in brilliant form. He batted very well and ensured Delhi’s victory. He played domestic cricket after a long time, but still performed exceptionally well. He is the most consistent player in the Indian team and is fully ready for the World Cup,” Sharma told ANI.
Kohli has retired from T20Is and Tests alongside Rohit Sharma. He will continue to play in Vijay Hazare Trophy, leading up to the three-ODI series against New Zealand next month. The ODI series commences on January 11.
Earlier, Kohli’s return to M.Chinnaswamy Stadium was cancelled. The stadium has not got the required clearances from the government to hold a cricket match since the stampede outside it during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) victory celebrations claimed lives of 11 and left several injured.
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Simarjeet’s fifer, Bhui’s ton
On December 24, Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to bowl first against Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Andhra Pradesh. While wickets fell around him, Ricky Bhui's 122 off 105 balls helped Andhra Pradesh post 298/8. Bhui hit seven sixes and 11 fours in his knock. Reddy got a start but departed for a 21-ball 23. For Delhi, Simarjeet Singh starred with a fifer. Prince Yadav claimed three wickets whereas Navdeep Saini was most expensive, conceding 79 runs from 10 overs.
Kohli goes all guns blazing, slams another ton
In the run chase, Kohli had to walk out to bat in the first over. Nitish Reddy got Arpit Rana out for a two-ball duck. Kohli and Priyansh got the run chase off to a blazing start. Arya hit five sixes and seven fours in his 44-ball 74. Kohli reached his fifty from 39 balls. Arya and Kohli shared an 113-run partnership for the second wicket.
Then Nitish Rana joined Kohli in the middle. Kohli would've been dismissed in 90s but Shaik Rasheed dropped his catch at covers off Satyanarayana Raju's bowling. The 37-year-old reached his century from 83 balls. Kohli continued to play at a rapid pace. He scored 131 runs from 101 deliveries. His knock was laced with 14 fours and three sixes.
Rana departed for a 55-ball 77 to Raju as well. Delhi lost the wickets of Pant and Ayush Badoni but got over the line in the 38th over with four wickets to spare.
When will Kohli play his next VHT match?
Kohli's next appearance is against Gujarat at the same venue on December 26. Gujarat won their campaign opener against Services by eight wickets. The only bowler with international cricket experience in Gujarat bowling lineup is Ravi Bishnoi who took three wickets against Services.
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