The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has sent waves through the cricketing world by naming the upcoming 20-man strong squad. Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 for the first two games. The title of this ad is rarely returned Virat Kohli to domestic List A cricket, marking its first appearance in the tournament since 2010.
After BCCI’s strict mandate requiring centrally contracted players to participate in at least two rounds of the 50-over event, Kohli and other stars Rishabh pants They have confirmed their availability for Delhi’s opening games. Pant was officially appointed captain, a high-flyer Ayush Badoni named his deputy. With the tournament set to begin in Bengaluru on December 24, 2025, Delhi enter Group D as clear favourites, boasting a roster that combines legendary experience with explosive young talent.
Virat Kohli’s comeback in the Vijay Hazare tournament after 15 years
The most significant story of the squad selection is Kohli’s return to Delhi form for the domestic 50-over matches after an astonishing 15-year hiatus. Kohli, who last played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in February 2010, has been in phenomenal form recently, smashing two centuries during the ODI series against South Africa.
His return is not a mere formality; It is a strategic move by the BCCI to ensure that the top players remain fit during the three-week break before India’s ODI series against New Zealand begins on January 11. DDCA President Rohan Jaitley confirmed Kohli’s presence in the first two games against Andhra and Gujarat, where he will be reunited with his old friend. Ishant Sharma. For fans in Bengaluru, the chance to see Kohli play for his country at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, the local icon of the IPL franchise, made these domestic matches the most anticipated matches of the season.
Strength of the Delhi squad under Rishabh Pant and the pace battery
Under the captaincy of Rishabh Pant, Delhi have assembled a squad that looks formidable on paper, especially in the bowling department. Inclusion of veteran pacers Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Sainialongside the young sensation Harshit Rana (who will join after India’s T20I duties), provides a depth of speed and experience rarely seen in domestic cricket.
The stroke section is equally solid and aggressive Nitish Rana and former India U-19 captain Wet DhullAyush Badoni, on the other hand, provides mid-order stability and tactical support as vice-captain. Explaining the selection, DDCA officials emphasized that this balanced mix is ​​meant to handle the grueling Group D schedule that includes strong teams like Saurashtra and Haryana. By appointing Pant as the leader, the selectors have signaled their commitment to modern, aggressive white-ball cricket, ensuring that the stars not only fulfill their BCCI obligations but also actively drive Delhi towards their first title in over a decade.
Delhi squad for first two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches
Rishabh Pant (c), Ayush Badoni (vc), Virat Kohli, Arpit Rana, Yash Dhull, Sarthak Ranjan, Priyansh Arya, Tejasvi Singh (wk), Nitish Rana, Hrithik Shokeen, Harsh Tyagi, Simarjeet Singh, Prince Yadav, Divij Dojav, Vaibhav, Vaibha Kandpal, Rohan Rana, Ishant Sharma, Navdeep Saini, Anuj Rawat (stand-by keeper).
