Virat Kohli Shines in Vijay Hazare Trophy Comeback After 16 Years

Virat Kohli made a sensational return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after 16 years, scoring 131 runs in his comeback match against Andhra. Despite the absence of fans due to venue restrictions, dedicated supporters climbed trees to catch a glimpse of the star batter. Kohli's performance not only led Delhi to victory but also marked a significant milestone in his career, as he surpassed 16,000 runs in List A cricket. With upcoming matches on the horizon, Kohli's return is a pivotal moment for both him and Indian cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 25, 2025, 00:22 IST

Kohli's Impressive Return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy

Former Indian cricket captain and renowned batsman Virat Kohli made a remarkable return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi after a 16-year hiatus. This much-anticipated match took place against Andhra at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on December 24.

Kohli, who last played in this tournament in 2010, marked his comeback with an outstanding performance, scoring 131 runs off 101 balls. His efforts were crucial in helping Delhi successfully chase a target of 299 runs in just 37.4 overs, as they aimed for their second title in this competition. He formed a significant 113-run partnership for the second wicket with Priyansh Arya, who scored 73, and a 159-run partnership for the third wicket with Nitish Rana, who contributed 66 runs.

Match Venue and Fan Experience

Originally, the match was set to be held at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, anticipating a large turnout of fans eager to see Kohli play. However, due to safety and security concerns, the Karnataka Government and Bengaluru City Police denied permission for the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to host the match at this venue.

As a result, the game was played without any spectators, as the BCCI CoE Ground lacks the necessary infrastructure for public attendance. Fans were left disappointed, especially since the match was not broadcasted due to logistical issues.

Fans Go to Great Lengths to Watch Kohli

Despite the restrictions, Kohli's fans showed their dedication by climbing trees and other elevated spots around the BCCI CoE to catch a glimpse of their idol. Images of these fans perched in precarious positions quickly spread across social media, highlighting their commitment to witnessing Kohli's long-awaited return.

A die-hard fan watching Virat Kohli bat from a tree because fans aren’t allowed inside the stadium and there’s no live streaming #VijayHazareTrophy #ViratKohli

Kohli's Milestone Achievement

With his impressive 131-run innings, Kohli reached a significant milestone, amassing 16,000 runs in his List A career. He became the second Indian player, after Sachin Tendulkar, to achieve this landmark. Kohli surpassed former Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya's tally of 16,128 runs, making him the ninth-highest run-scorer in List A cricket history.

In total, Kohli has scored 16,130 runs in List A matches, including 58 centuries and 84 fifties, boasting an impressive average of 57.60 across 343 games.

Upcoming Matches for Kohli

Kohli has confirmed his participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, despite earlier reports suggesting he might not play due to a rift with Team India head Gautam Gambhir. The BCCI has encouraged senior players to participate in domestic tournaments to be considered for national selection.

Following his successful innings against Andhra, Kohli is set to play for Delhi against Gujarat at the BCCI CoE. As he focuses on one format for the remainder of his international career, the BCCI aims for him and Rohit Sharma to participate in as many domestic matches as possible to demonstrate their fitness and form ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

After his second and final match in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Uttarakhand, Kohli will return to national duties as Team India prepares to face New Zealand in a three-match ODI series starting January 11.