WATCH: Virat Kohli elevates training intensity ahead of his historic Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 return

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In a moment that has electrified the Indian domestic circuit, Virat Kohli has officially begun his final preparations for the  Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. On December 20, 2025, a viral video captured the 37-year-old batting maestro grinding in the nets, looking sharp and purposeful as he readies himself to don the Delhi jersey once again.

The viral footage of Kohli at the Arun Jaitley Stadium has offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at the technical discipline that defines his career. As he prepares for his first Vijay Hazare Trophy match in 15 years, Kohli’s net session was a masterclass in focused repetition. He was seen exclusively facing high-intensity pace, likely simulating the challenge he will face against Andhra Pradesh’s Nitish Kumar Reddy on December 24.

His preparation centered on two specific pillars: steadiness of the head and intent in the stride. Observers noted that his eyes were exceptionally still, a technical hallmark that Robin Uthappa recently praised as the key to his longevity. Kohli spent significant time working on his signature cover drive, but more importantly, he practiced his front-foot defense against deliveries moving away, ensuring his hands stayed close to the body. This wasn’t a session for flamboyant hitting; it was a methodical ‘reps in the middle’ approach designed to build the mental sharpness required to anchor an innings for Delhi.

This return is not merely a cameo; it is a calculated move to maintain his red-hot form, following two centuries in the recent ODI series against South Africa, ahead of India’s upcoming assignment against New Zealand in January. With the BCCI now mandating domestic participation for centrally contracted stars, Kohli’s presence in the Delhi camp has transformed the tournament’s profile, turning a regional competition into a global focal point for cricket fans.

Virat Kohli during Net Session at Alibaug.

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) December 20, 2025

Also READ: Rishabh Pant to captain Delhi as Virat Kohli makes historic Vijay Hazare Trophy return; squad announced for first two games

When Kohli steps onto the field on December 24, it will mark the end of a staggering 15-year absence from India’s premier domestic 50-over competition. Kohli last featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in February 2010 against Services, and his return to Delhi’s colors, this time under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, signals a massive boost for a side looking to reverse its recent fortunes.

The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) confirmed that Kohli will be available for at least the first two matches in Bengaluru, specifically the high-voltage opener against Andhra Pradesh. The squad is a literal ‘Who’s Who’ of Indian talent, featuring veteran pacer Ishant Sharma, speedster Navdeep Saini and rising star Harshit Rana, who will join after concluding his T20I duties in Ahmedabad. By playing under Pant’s captaincy, Kohli isn’t just fulfilling a requirement; he is providing invaluable mentorship to a dressing room that is eager to soak up the wisdom of a modern-day great who continues to treat every practice session like a World Cup final.

The 2025 Vijay Hazare Trophy has become a unique stage where India’s aging legends and emerging prodigies converge, as Rohit Sharma is also set to make a selective return for Mumbai. While Rohit will feature in two matches for the Shardul Thakur-led Mumbai side (facing Sikkim and Uttarakhand in Group C), Kohli’s focus remains strictly on Group D’s battles at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. These matches are serving as the ultimate ‘tune-up’ for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11 in Vadodara.

Also READ: Mumbai announces squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy; Rohit Sharma makes historic return