'Keeping his workload' - DDCA president gives big update on Virat Kohli's Vijay Hazare Trophy participation

Virat Kohli could once again represent Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy during the 2026-27 season. The former India captain played in the previous edition after a long gap and made an impressive return with the bat.

DDCA president Rohan Jaitley has said that Kohli is always welcome to play for his home state. However, his participation will depend on his international schedule and workload. If he is available and can manage his workload, Kohli could turn out for Delhi again this season.

Kohli had scored a brilliant 131 off 101 balls against Andhra in the previous Vijay Hazare Trophy. His return would be a major boost for Delhi and give fans another chance to watch the star batter in domestic cricket.

DDCA president Rohan Jaitley's big update on Virat Kohli's Vijay Hazare Trophy return

Virat Kohli made his Vijay Hazare Trophy return after 15 years last season, representing Delhi in two matches. The 2026-27 edition of the tournament is scheduled to begin on December 14, with fans waiting to know whether the star batter will feature again.

Speaking to India Today, DDCA president Rohan Jaitley said there is no doubt about Kohli’s commitment to Delhi. He added that the former India captain will play for the state whenever his availability and workload allow him to do so.

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Kohli’s place in the Delhi setup remains open, and the DDCA is ready to welcome him whenever he is available. His participation will mainly depend on his international schedule and how he manages his workload during the busy season.

"He will definitely play" — Jaitley's statement on Kohli's workload management

Virat Kohli remains a popular figure in Delhi cricket despite not playing domestic cricket outside the IPL for several years. His return to the Ranji Trophy last season showed the huge support he continues to receive from fans, with the Arun Jaitley Stadium packed to watch him play against Railways.

DDCA president Rohan Jaitley made it clear that the association has no doubts about welcoming Kohli back. He also highlighted the former India captain’s strong commitment to Delhi cricket and said the state remains his home.

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“His commitment to playing for the state is outstanding. Whenever he is available - and keeping his workload in mind - he will certainly play for the state again,” Jaitley said. This suggests that Kohli’s participation will depend mainly on his availability and workload during the busy cricket season.

What this means for Kohli's Delhi comeback ahead of the 2027 World Cup

Virat Kohli made a strong impact in the Vijay Hazare Trophy last season despite playing only two matches. He scored 131 off 101 balls against Andhra Pradesh and followed it with 77 off 61 balls against Gujarat, finishing the tournament with 208 runs.

With Kohli retired from T20Is and Test cricket, his international career is now limited to ODIs. His main target is the 2027 ODI World Cup, making regular 50-over cricket important for his match fitness and preparation. Another Vijay Hazare Trophy appearance could give him valuable game time ahead of the tournament.

Kohli is expected to return to India’s ODI setup for the West Indies series in the last week of September. If he plays for Delhi again, it could benefit both the team and the veteran batter, while giving him another opportunity to stay sharp in the 50-over format ahead of the 2027 World Cup.