Virat Kohli has chosen not to play against Railways on January 6. The former India captain had earlier told the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) that he was open to playing another Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025–26 match after appearing against Andhra on December 24 and Gujarat on December 26. Kohli was in sublime touch during these two matches. He top-scored for Delhi in each game.
The 37-year-old scored his 58th List A century against Andhra and was named player of the match for his 77-run knock against Gujarat. Delhi won both matches and is well placed to reach the quarterfinals.
With three centuries and two half-centuries in his recent List A matches, Kohli feels he doesn’t need any extra practice for the India vs New Zealand ODI series. The BCCI has already announced the squad for the three-match series, and Team India will begin their camp in Vadodara on January 7.
“No, he (Kohli) is not available,” Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh.
Kohli looks back in top form. His lowest score in the last six List A matches is an unbeaten 65, and New Zealand has always been one of his favourite teams to play against in ODIs. Kohli averages 55.23 against the Kiwis, with 6 hundreds and 9 half-centuries in 33 innings. The 37-year-old would like to make the most of the India vs New Zealand ODI series, considering he won’t play another ODI series until June 2026.
Kohli felt he did not need additional match practice after excellent performances in recent Vijay Hazare Trophy games and decided to focus on the India vs New Zealand ODI series.
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