New Delhi: Gautam Gambhir has taken a big decision to save his career. The 37-year-old veteran batsman has agreed to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which is going to start from December 24. As soon as Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) President Rohan Jaitley confirmed this on the night of 2 December, Kohli’s fans jumped with joy. Kohli, who has played only one format for India, is currently playing in the ODI series against South Africa.

When and where did Virat play the last match of Vijay Hazare Trophy?
Virat Kohli was last seen in this tournament in 50 over format in February 2010. He was captaining Delhi in the match against Services on 18 February at Gurgaon ground. Kohli, who came at number five, had scored 16 runs in eight balls, and was caught by wicketkeeper Tahir Khan on the ball of Shadab Nazar.

The current BCCI President had scored 148 runs.
In this North Zone match, Delhi team, after winning the toss and batting first against Services, scored 311 runs losing six wickets in the stipulated 50 overs. While opening, Shikhar Dhawan played an inning of 32 runs in 37 balls, while coming at number three, Mithun Manhas contributed a brilliant 148 runs in 154 balls. Mithun Manhas is the President of BCCI today. Rajat Bhatia also played in that match, now he is part of the support staff of Lucknow Supergiants. After dominating the batting, Virat’s team also did wonders with the ball. Services’ innings was limited to just 198 runs. The team could not play the full 50 overs. For Delhi, Pravesh Chikara took the maximum of four wickets. But sadly the team could not reach the knockout round.

Virat Kohli can play in these three matches

• 24 December vs Andhra Pradesh
• 26 December vs Gujarat
• 6 January vs Railways

Why is Virat Kohli playing Vijay Hazare Trophy?
BCCI has made it mandatory for contracted cricketers to play domestic cricket unless they are injured or are not playing for the national team. This is the reason why Virat Kohli, who has settled in London, has to play in this domestic tournament after 15 years. Kohli was the center of attention in a Ranji Trophy match earlier this year, when he played his first first-class match in more than 12 years.

Vijay Hazare Trophy is an excuse to target World Cup
Kohli, 37, scored his 52nd century in the first match of the series in Ranchi, showing that he is in form despite playing just one format of the game after announcing his retirement from Test cricket earlier this year. Kohli had retired from T20 Internationals after India’s victory in the 2024 World Cup in Barbados. Now he wants to end his cricket career after playing the ODI World Cup to be held in 2027. Rohit Sharma, who retired from Test before the England tour, is also expected to play for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. But head coach Gautam Gambhir is standing like a wall in front of the intentions of both the giants to play the World Cup.