Cricket enthusiasts eagerly awaiting to see star Indian batsman Virat Kohli in action in the new year will have to wait a little longer. Virat Kohli, who recently made a strong return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy with powerful batting performances, is now expected to be seen directly in action during the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand. Earlier, it was widely anticipated that Kohli would play one more domestic tournament match for Delhi. However, current reports suggest that this won't be the case. According to the latest updates, Kohli won't participate in. The Vijay Hazare Trophy match scheduled for Tuesday, January 6th.
Kohli's Return to Domestic Cricket
Virat Kohli had made a significant return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, playing two matches for Delhi towards the end of last December. This marked his comeback to the domestic tournament after a considerable. Gap of approximately 14-15 years, a move reportedly mandated by the BCCI. His participation generated immense interest among fans and cricket pundits alike, as. It offered a rare glimpse of the international star in a domestic setup. Kohli's presence was a major boost for the tournament, adding a layer of excitement and prestige to the matches he played.
Impressive Performance in Recent Matches
During his brief stint in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Virat Kohli showcased his exceptional form and class, while he delivered a magnificent century while playing against Andhra, reaffirming his batting prowess and ability to dominate any bowling attack. Following this stellar performance, he continued his strong run by scoring an impressive 77 runs in the subsequent match against Gujarat. In both these encounters, Kohli displayed aggressive and effective batting, contributing Importantly to his team's efforts, while after these two matches, he had reportedly left the team to return to his home in Mumbai, which initially raised questions about his further participation.
Conflicting Reports and Final Decision
Initially, it was communicated that Virat Kohli would only be available for two matches in the tournament. However, after the match against Gujarat, news began circulating that he might also be part of the Delhi squad for the January 6th encounter against Railways. Rohan Jaitley, the President of the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), had even confirmed these reports, fueling anticipation among fans who hoped to see Kohli play one more time on the domestic circuit. Nevertheless, just a day before the scheduled match, fresh reports have emerged confirming that Kohli won't be a part of this fixture. An ANI report explicitly stated that Kohli wouldn't play in the match against Railways on January 6th.
Reasons for Absence Remain Unclear
The exact reason behind Virat Kohli's decision to withdraw from this crucial Vijay Hazare Trophy match is currently unclear. The reports confirming his absence have not provided any specific explanation for this sudden change of plans, especially after earlier confirmations from DDCA officials. This unexpected development means that fans will now have to wait to witness him in action directly in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. The series holds significant importance for the Indian team, and Kohli's form will undoubtedly be a key factor in their performance.
Return of Iyer and Gill
While Virat Kohli won't be seen playing further in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, other prominent players are set to make their return in the matches scheduled for Tuesday. These include talented batsmen Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill. Their return will bolster their respective teams and provide them with an opportunity to assess their form and fitness ahead of their international commitments. These players are crucial for India's future plans, and their performance in these domestic games will be closely watched.
Shubman Gill's Comeback
Young opening batsman Shubman Gill was sidelined from Punjab's previous match due to illness, and his absence was felt by the team, while he's now set to make his comeback in the upcoming match against Goa, where he will test his preparations. This match will be a vital opportunity for him to regain. His rhythm and prove his fitness for the New Zealand series. Gill is considered a key player for the future of Indian cricket, and his form is of paramount importance to the team's success.
Shreyas Iyer's Return from Injury
After being out of action for nearly three months due to an injury, Shreyas Iyer is also making his return to the field on January 6th. He will feature in the match between Mumbai and Himachal Pradesh, and notably,. He has been named the captain of the Mumbai team for this fixture. This match will serve as a final assessment of Iyer's fitness, which will clarify his availability for the ODI series against New Zealand. Iyer's return could be a significant boost for India's middle order, provided he's fully fit and can regain his previous form.
