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New Delhi: Virat Kohli is heading back to domestic one-day cricket. The star batter has confirmed his availability to the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) that he will be available for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, making it his first appearance in the competition since 2010. DDCA president Rohan Jaitley revealed the development on Tuesday to PTI, finally putting an end to speculations surrounding Kohli’s participation.

Kohli last played a Vijay Hazare Trophy match more than 15 years ago. His return instantly adds major buzz to Delhi’s campaign as the team prepares to open their season on 24 December against Andhra Pradesh. The match which might have otherwise been a regular domestic fixture is now expected to draw a bigger crowd than usual.

The 37-year-old hasn’t featured in a List A game for Delhi since the 2013 NKP Salve Challenger Trophy. With the BCCI encouraging centrally contracted players to feature in domestic cricket when available, Kohli’s approval aligns perfectly with the board’s stance.

King Kohli’s form in ODIs remains as sharp as he recently struck his 52nd ODI century against South Africa in Ranchi, reinforcing why he still remains India’s most reliable batter in the format. The shift to being an ODI-only player after stepping away from Tests earlier this year hasn’t slowed him down one bit.

Delhi’s league-stage matches are set to take place in Alur and at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. A venue where Kohli adored, thanks to his long and loyal stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. His presence there in domestic colours is sure to draw nationwide attention.

Earlier this year, when Kohli surprisingly returned for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, more than 12,000 spectators turned up to watch. It transformed a regular domestic fixture into a stadium buzzing like an IPL night with something no other Indian cricketer can inspire at that level.

Delhi have been inconsistent in recent domestic seasons, including some surprising defeats in white-ball competitions. Kohli’s arrival provides exactly what they have been missing- stability, experience and someone who raises standards around him.

The Vijay Hazare Trophy runs from December 24 to January 18, marking a key stretch for India’s ODI plans moving into next year. Rohit Sharma is also expected to represent Mumbai, meaning both senior stalwarts will be back to reinforce the domestic circuit.

With Delhi rebuilding and young players eager to grow under experienced eyes, Kohli’s return comes at the perfect moment. For fans, it’s a rare chance to watch one of the greatest Indian cricketers back where his journey truly took flight in Delhi colours, playing domestic cricket, ready to give back once again.