Virat Kohli to skip Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Railways

Bengaluru: Indian batting great Virat Kohli will not play in Delhi's Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Railways, head coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed. Kohli, who made a return to the country's premier domestic one-day tournament, scored 131 and 77 runs in two matches. It was believed that he would also play against Railways, but that will not happen. He will soon join the Indian team for the ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on January 11.

However, Sarandeep said that fast bowler Harshit Rana and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will be available for selection in the match to be played in Alur. Former India spinner Sarandeep said, "Virat is not available. Pant and Harshit will play tomorrow."

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) president had said last week that Kohli would play the match against Railways. Delhi is currently at the top of Group D, having won four out of their five matches, and a win against Railways should be enough to secure their place in the next round. The first ODI between India and New Zealand will be played in Vadodara on January 11, while the next two matches will be held in Rajkot and Indore on January 14 and 18, respectively.

According to BCCI rules, centrally contracted players were required to play at least two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. Kohli had already fulfilled this requirement by playing in the tournament. Kohli, who now plays only in the ODI format, is in excellent form. He scored two centuries and an unbeaten 65 in the three-match home series against South Africa last month.