Virat Kohli has decided against featuring against Railways on January 6. The former India captain had informed the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) that he’d be willing to feature in another Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26 match after playing 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 registered his 58th List A century against Andhra and bagged the ‘player of the match’ award for his 77-run effort against Gujarat. Delhi won both games and is in a prime position to reach the quarterfinals.
Kohli skips Vijay Hazare Trophy match
With 3 hundreds and 2 half-centuries under his belt in his last List A matches, Kohli doesn’t think he needs any more practice for the India vs New Zealand ODI series. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already announced the squad for the 3-match affair, and Team India will set up camp in Vadodara on January 7.
“No, he (Kohli) is not available,” Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh told the Hindustan Times.
Kohli has picked up a second wind. His lowest score in the last six List A matches is an unbeaten 65. New Zealand has also been one of his favourite opponents 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.
India’s ODI squad for New Zealand series
Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Shreyas Iyer (vc)*, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal
Note: *Shreyas Iyer’s availability is subject to fitness clearance from BCCI COE
India vs New Zealand ODI series: Schedule
| Day | Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | January 11 | 1st ODI | Vadodara |
| Wednesday | January 14 | 2nd ODI | Rajkot |
| Sunday | January 18 | 3rd ODI | Indore |
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