After nearly 15 years, Virat Kohli has returned to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and the Indian batting great has made an emphatic statement. Representing Delhi, Kohli has looked in sublime touch, producing back-to-back impactful innings to underline his enduring class in the 50-over format.
Kohli marked his comeback to the tournament with a commanding century in his very first match, scoring a fluent 131 off 101 balls. He followed it up with another authoritative display in his second outing, proving that his hunger for runs remains undiminished. In that match, he raced to a half-century in just 29 deliveries, showcasing his sharp timing and aggressive intent.
Rapid-fire fifty against Gujarat
On Friday, December 26, Delhi faced Gujarat at the BCCI Centre of excellence in Bengaluru. Unlike their previous match, where Delhi chased a target, this time they were asked to bat first. Expectations were high from Kohli, and once again, he delivered.
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Delhi lost an early wicket in the second over, bringing Kohli to the crease almost immediately. He announced his arrival with a boundary off his first scoring shot and then unleashed a flurry of strokes. While his partner Arpit Rana struggled to get going at the other end, Kohli dominated the bowling, finding the fence with remarkable consistency.
Kohli reached his fifty in just 29 balls, registering the 85th half-century of his List A career. Notably, he crossed the milestone in style, moving from 49 to 53 with a boundary. Of those 53 runs, an astonishing 50 came through boundaries, including 11 fours and a six at that stage.
Misses century, but leaves strong impact
Continuing in the same aggressive vein as his previous match, Kohli kept the spectators entertained with his fluent strokeplay. Although he fell short of another hundred, his innings was no less significant. He was eventually dismissed for a brisk 77 off 61 balls, having struck 13 fours and one six, before being stumped off left-arm spinner Vishal Jayswal.
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Despite missing out on a century, Kohli’s back-to-back performances have firmly established his outstanding rhythm in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His return to domestic cricket has not only strengthened Delhi’s batting but has also sent a clear message that the former India captain remains a formidable force in one-day cricket.
