Kohli–Pant Show Sets Vijay Hazare on Fire: Delhi vs Gujarat Turns Into a Blockbuster!

Vijay Hazare

When Virat Kohli plays domestic cricket, it’s never “just another match.”
The Delhi vs Gujarat clash in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group D on December 25, 2025, at Bengaluru’s BCCI Centre of Excellence proved exactly that — intense, emotional, and packed with star moments.

🏏 Match Snapshot: Delhi Holds the Upper Hand

Delhi posted 254/9 in 50 overs, riding on classy half-centuries from Virat Kohli (77) and skipper Rishabh Pant (70). While the middle order struggled, the two superstars stitched crucial partnerships to give Delhi a fighting total.

In reply, Gujarat reached 122/4 in 25.3 overs, staying in the hunt but clearly under pressure as Delhi’s bowlers struck at key moments.

⭐ Stars Who Stole the Show

  • Virat Kohli once again looked a class apart, anchoring the innings calmly after his sensational 131 vs Andhra earlier in the tournament. His return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after nearly 15 years has turned the spotlight firmly on domestic cricket.

  • Rishabh Pant, leading from the front, played a mature knock of 70 and smartly guided Delhi through a shaky phase, proving his leadership value.

Live updates also highlighted Rinku Singh’s contribution, adding depth to Delhi’s batting strength.

📊 Bigger Picture: Why This Match Matters

Delhi came into this contest high on confidence after chasing 299 in just 37.4 overs against Andhra. With international stars returning to domestic action, this match underlined how competitive and high-quality Indian domestic cricket has become.

⏳ Current Status & What’s Next

As of the latest updates on December 26, Gujarat remains 122/4, fighting hard, while Delhi eyes another crucial victory. Full scorecards and highlights are available on platforms like NDTV and News18.

This wasn’t just a Vijay Hazare match —
it was a reminder that when Kohli and Pant step onto the field, Indian cricket feels electric again.

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Virat Kohli’s Domestic Comeback Sparks Frenzy in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26

Virat Kohli
“When the King Walks Back Home”

Indian cricket witnessed a rare and emotional moment as Virat Kohli returned to domestic cricket after 15 long years, representing Delhi against Andhra Pradesh in the opening match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 on December 24, 2025. The match, played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru, instantly became one of the most talked-about domestic games in recent history.

Kohli’s return wasn’t just about runs — it was about legacy, roots, and reconnecting with where it all began.

🏟️ Venue Change Adds to the Drama

Originally, the match was scheduled at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, but due to security concerns raised by the Karnataka government, permission was denied following previous crowd-related incidents. As a result, the game was shifted to the BCCI Centre of Excellence, and no spectators were allowed inside the stadium.

Despite the closed doors, excitement spilled over social media, with fans eagerly tracking every update of Kohli’s much-awaited domestic appearance.

🪙 Toss Update & Early Overs

Delhi, led by Rishabh Pant, won the toss and chose to bowl first, showing early intent. Andhra Pradesh started cautiously, reaching 18/0 in 5.5 overs, with Nitish Reddy captaining the side and KS Bharat behind the stumps.

All eyes, however, remained fixed on the Delhi dugout — waiting for Kohli’s turn to bat.

🏏 Delhi Playing XI (Star-Studded)

  • Rishabh Pant (Captain & Wicketkeeper)

  • Priyansh Arya

  • Arpit Rana

  • Virat Kohli

  • Ayush Badoni

  • Nitish Rana

  • Simarjeet Singh

  • Harsh Tyagi

  • Ishant Sharma

  • Prince Yadav

  • Navdeep Saini

🏏 Andhra Pradesh Playing XI

  • Nitish Reddy (Captain)

  • KS Bharat (Wicketkeeper)

  • Ricky Bhui

  • Ashwin Hebbar

  • SK Rasheed

  • Hemanth Reddy

  • KS Raju

  • Tripurana Vijay

  • Saurabh Kumar

  • Satyanarayana Raju

  • SDNV Prasad

⭐ Why This Match Matters

Virat Kohli last played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy during the 2010-11 season, making this his first white-ball domestic match for Delhi since 2013. With international breaks allowing senior players to return to domestic cricket, this match symbolizes a revival of domestic importance in Indian cricket.

As of 10:14 AM IST, ball-by-ball updates were limited, but anticipation peaked around Kohli’s batting impact and form following the ODI series.

This Group B Elite clash is more than just a domestic fixture — it’s a reminder that even legends return to their roots.

📌 Stay tuned — because when Virat Kohli bats, history usually follows.

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