In a moment that electrified India’s domestic circuit, Virat Kohli has officially started its final preparations for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. On December 20, 2025, a viral video showed the 37-year-old batting maestro grinding in the nets, looking sharp and purposeful as he prepared to don the Delhi jersey again.
Virat Kohli is ramping up training for the historic domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
Viral footage of Kohli at the Arun Jaitley Stadium offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at the technical discipline that defined his career. In preparation for the first Vijay Hazare trophy In a 15-year match, Kohli’s net session was a masterclass in repeatability. He was seen facing a high intensity pace which only simulated the challenge he would face against Andhra Pradesh. Nitish Kumar Reddy on December 24.
His training focused on two particular pillars: steadiness of the head and intention in the step. Observers noted that his eyes were quite motionless, a technical sign Robin Uthappa recently praised as the key to its longevity. Kohli spent a lot of time working on his signature cover drive, but more importantly he defended his front foot against the deliveries going away by keeping his hands close to the body. This was not a session for brilliant shots; it was a methodical “representatives in the middle” approach designed to create the mental acuity required to anchor the innings for Delhi.
This return isn’t just a cameo; It is a calculated move to maintain his blistering form after two centuries in the last ODI series against South Africa ahead of India’s upcoming assignment against New Zealand in January. With the BCCI now mandating the local presence of centrally contracted stars, Kohli’s presence in the Delhi camp has changed the profile of the tournament, turning the regional competition into a global hub for cricket fans.
We present the video:
Virat Kohli during the Net Session at Alibaug. pic.twitter.com/tUBRDFyB3X
— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) December 20, 2025
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Kohli and Rishabh Pant headline a strong Delhi lineup
When Kohli takes the field on December 24, it will mark the end of an astonishing 15-year absence from India’s first domestic 50-over competition. Kohli last featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Services in February 2010 and his return to Delhi colors this time under Rishabh Pant signals a huge boost for the side looking to turn around their recent fortunes.
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) He confirmed that Kohli will be available for at least the first two matches in Bengaluru, especially for the high-voltage opener against. Andhra Pradesh. The squad is a literal ‘Who’s Who’ of Indian talent, featuring a veteran temperament. Ishant Sharmaaccelerator Navdeep Saini and rising star Harshit RanaHe will join after completing his T20I duties in Ahmedabad. Playing under Pant’s captaincy, Kohli not only fulfills the requirement; he provides invaluable mentorship to a dressing room eager to absorb the wisdom of a modern-day great who continues to treat every training session like a World Cup final.
The 2025 Vijay Hazare Trophy has become a unique stage where India’s aging legends and emerging prodigies come together. Rohit Sharma is also set to make a qualifying comeback for Mumbai. Rohit will appear in two matches Shardul Thakur-Leading Mumbai side (who face Sikkim and Uttarakhand in Group C), Kohli’s focus remains firmly on Group D battles at the Jinnaswamy Stadium. These matches serve as the final “tune-up” for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on January 11 in Vadodara.
Also READ: Mumbai announce squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy; Rohit Sharma makes a historic comeback
