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Virat Kohli on Tuesday confirmed his availability for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, starting December 24, after initially declining to participate in the domestic tournament. India head coach Gautam Gambhir has made it clear that players aiming to represent the national team must feature in domestic cricket, prompting renewed focus on player commitments.

According to a source quoted by NDTV, Rohit Sharma had already informed the BCCI selection committee that he would play in the 50-over competition. Kohli, however, had earlier refused to take part before eventually reversing his decision.

Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley welcomed the update, saying, “He has confirmed his availability to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. How many games he will feature in is not clear yet. Obviously, his presence will be a massive boost to the Delhi dressing room.”

Delhi will begin their Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign against Andhra in Bengaluru on December 24, with six league matches lined up. Kohli’s presence is expected to draw huge crowds, much like his appearance in a Ranji Trophy match earlier this year, when more than 12,000 spectators turned up, numbers rarely seen in domestic cricket in recent years.

Kohli returned to the Ranji Trophy earlier this year as part of his preparation for international cricket, but in a surprise move, announced his retirement from Tests ahead of the England tour.

The BCCI has reiterated that contracted players must participate in domestic tournaments unless they are injured or on national duty. Rohit Sharma, who has also retired from Test cricket, is expected to represent Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.